Accessing quality healthcare is a fundamental element of a nation’s progress. In this data narrative, we delve into healthcare indicators, comparing Northern and Southern Nigeria. Our goal is to illuminate the disparities that exist and propose pathways for enhancement.
We have conducted this analysis using an extensive dataset acquired from the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Bureau of Statistics.
As of October 3rd, 2023, data from the Nigeria Health Facilities Registry indicates that the Northern states of Nigeria boast a greater number of public healthcare facilities when compared to their Southern counterparts.
Specifically, the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory collectively host a substantial 21,589 healthcare facilities, representing approximately 55.4% of the nation’s total healthcare facilities. In contrast, the Southern states, including Lagos, have a combined total of approximately 17,335 healthcare facilities, equivalent to roughly 44% of the nationwide total.
Northern Nigeria boasts 55.4% of the total number of health facilities in Nigeria, while Southern Nigeria makes up for the remaining 44.5%
According to data from the World Data Atlas in 2020, Nigeria allocated 15% of its current health expenditure to general government expenditure on health. In contrast, in 2019, private spending on health made up 71.3% of the total health expenditure in the country.
When examining the distribution of health facilities based on ownership, Figure 2 below shows that public health facilities outnumber private ones across all regions of Nigeria.
The data highlights significant disparities in the ownership and distribution of healthcare facilities across Nigeria. Approximately 79.4% of medical facilities in the country are publicly owned and operated, indicating a strong commitment by the governments to provision of healthcare services.
The northern states, particularly in the Northwest, have a substantial number of publicly owned hospitals and medical facilities, including teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres. However, the North-Central region, where the Federal Capital is located, stands out with the highest number of privately owned medical facilities.
In contrast, the North-eastern states have a limited number of private healthcare facilities, suggesting lower private sector participation, possibly due to the higher cost of private healthcare services. This reliance on public healthcare facilities could strain resources, leading to longer waiting times and overcrowded facilities.
Abuja has the highest number of privately owned hospitals in Northern Nigeria
In Southern Nigeria, there are disparities in the distribution of public and private healthcare facilities. The Southwest has a relatively balanced distribution, with only a 4.3% difference between public and private facilities.
However, the Southeast and South-south regions show larger disparities, with a 22.2% and 49.3% difference, respectively. This indicates uneven health investments in these regions. Notably, Bayelsa and Cross River in the Southeast have the lowest number of private healthcare facilities in the entire South.
These disparities in healthcare ownership and distribution highlight potential challenges in healthcare access, affordability, and quality of care across different regions of Nigeria.
Bayelsa and Cross River States have the lowest number of private healthcare facilities in the Southeastern part of Nigeria
In conclusion, comparisons between Northern and Southern health care provisions in Nigeria are evident from the analysis. The Northern states host 55.4% of the nation’s healthcare facilities, compared to 44% in the South.
This comparison reflects healthcare expenditure, with 71.3% originating from private sources. Public healthcare facilities predominate, comprising 79.4% of all medical facilities, but their distribution varies by region.
The North-central region stands out with a higher concentration of privately owned healthcare facilities, while the Northeast relies more on public services. In the South, significant disparities are observed, particularly in the Southeast and South-south regions, potentially affecting healthcare access and quality. Addressing these gaps is imperative to ensure equitable healthcare across Nigeria.
