THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL INFLATION ON THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND NURSING MOTHERS IN FCT ABUJA: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE HOSPITALS

THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL INFLATION ON THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND NURSING MOTHERS IN FCT ABUJA: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE HOSPITALS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Healthcare inflation is a global issue, but its impact is particularly severe in developing countries like Nigeria. Medical inflation refers to the rise in the cost of healthcare services, which often outpaces general economic inflation. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, this issue is of particular concern when it comes to vulnerable populations, such as children and nursing mothers. The increasing cost of healthcare services, medications, and hospital treatments in both public and private healthcare facilities has a direct impact on access to essential medical care. As the economic strain on families grows, many are forced to choose between basic needs and healthcare services, which can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly for children and nursing mothers, who require regular medical attention.

 

Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital city, has a mix of both public and private healthcare institutions that serve a diverse population. Public hospitals are generally more affordable but are often plagued by issues such as overcrowding, limited resources, and underfunding. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are known for offering higher-quality services, but at significantly higher costs. Medical inflation in both types of institutions poses distinct challenges. While private hospitals adjust their fees to match the rising costs of medications, equipment, and operational expenses, public hospitals struggle with government budget constraints that limit their ability to provide affordable, high-quality care. The result is an ever-widening gap between the healthcare services available to affluent families and those available to lower-income families.

 

Children and nursing mothers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of medical inflation. For children, timely access to medical care, vaccinations, and treatment for common childhood illnesses is critical for healthy development. Nursing mothers also require frequent medical attention, both for their own health and to ensure the well-being of their infants. Rising healthcare costs can lead to delays in seeking treatment, poor adherence to medication regimens, and in some cases, complete avoidance of medical facilities. This has significant implications for maternal and child health, particularly in a developing country like Nigeria, where access to healthcare is already limited by geographical, financial, and systemic barriers.

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented various health policies aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare, including programs like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). However, these efforts have not sufficiently addressed the rising costs of healthcare services, particularly in private hospitals, where medical inflation has been most pronounced. Many families are left to bear the brunt of high out-of-pocket expenses, as insurance coverage is often limited in scope or unavailable altogether. This creates a situation where the quality of healthcare a child or nursing mother receives is largely determined by their socioeconomic status.

 

Given the critical nature of healthcare for children and nursing mothers, medical inflation in the FCT presents a significant public health challenge. This study seeks to investigate the impact of rising medical costs on the health outcomes of children and nursing mothers in Abuja, focusing on the disparities between public and private healthcare systems. By examining these differences, the study aims to highlight the extent to which medical inflation exacerbates health inequities and to identify potential policy interventions that could mitigate its negative effects.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Medical inflation in Abuja has escalated over recent years, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children and nursing mothers. While public hospitals are meant to provide affordable healthcare, they are often overcrowded and under-resourced, leading to long wait times and insufficient care. Private hospitals, although better equipped, charge exorbitant fees, putting high-quality healthcare out of reach for many families. This growing divide in healthcare access has critical implications for maternal and child health in the FCT.

 

Children and nursing mothers require frequent medical care, including prenatal and postnatal services, vaccinations, and treatment for illnesses. The rising cost of these services makes it difficult for low-income families to afford consistent, quality care. Consequently, many resort to delaying treatment or opting for cheaper but lower-quality alternatives, which can result in adverse health outcomes. If the issue of medical inflation is not addressed, it could lead to worsening health disparities between wealthy and low-income families in the FCT, with long-term implications for the well-being of children and nursing mothers.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the impact of medical inflation on the health outcomes of children and nursing mothers in FCT, Abuja.

To compare the cost and quality of healthcare services for children and nursing mothers in public vs. private hospitals.

To assess the coping mechanisms used by families to manage rising healthcare costs in Abuja.

 

1.4 Research Questions

How does medical inflation affect the health of children and nursing mothers in the FCT, Abuja?

What are the differences in healthcare costs and service quality between public and private hospitals in Abuja?

What strategies do families in the FCT use to cope with the rising cost of healthcare for children and nursing mothers?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide a clearer understanding of how medical inflation is impacting maternal and child health in Nigeria’s capital. By focusing on the experiences of children and nursing mothers in both public and private hospitals, the study will offer insights into the growing healthcare inequities in Abuja. The findings will be beneficial to policymakers, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations aiming to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on vulnerable populations. Moreover, this research could inform the development of more effective health policies and interventions that ensure equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of socioeconomic status.

 

1.6 Scope and Limitations

The scope of this study will be limited to examining the impact of medical inflation on children and nursing mothers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study will focus on a comparative analysis between public and private hospitals in the area. Data collection will include both quantitative and qualitative methods, involving surveys of healthcare users and interviews with healthcare providers. Limitations may include difficulties in obtaining detailed financial data from private hospitals and the potential for underreporting by families facing severe financial constraints. Additionally, the study will focus primarily on urban settings within the FCT, which may not fully capture the experiences of those in more rural parts of the territory.

 

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Medical Inflation: The rising cost of healthcare services, treatments, and medications over time.

Children: Individuals below the age of 18, with a focus on infants and young children in this study.

Nursing Mothers: Women who are breastfeeding or providing maternal care to infants.

Public Hospitals: Government-owned hospitals that provide healthcare services at subsidized rates.

Private Hospitals: Privately-owned healthcare facilities that typically charge higher fees for services.

Healthcare Costs: Expenses related to medical services, treatments, medications, and hospital stays.

Health Outcomes: The physical and mental health status of an individual or population, particularly in relation to healthcare access and quality.