The Nigerian health care system is structured in a three-tiered system, with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. Primary health care is the first point of contact that individuals have with the health care system and is intended to be the cornerstone of the country's health care system. It is meant to be accessible, affordable, and equitable, and to provide a range of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
Secondary health care is provided at the district and regional levels and includes specialized services such as diagnostic testing, surgery, and inpatient care. Tertiary health care is provided at the national and sub-national levels and includes highly specialized services such as advanced surgery and specialized rehabilitation.
Primary health
Primary health care is the first point of contact that individuals have with the health care system. It refers to the essential health care made universally accessible to individuals and families in a community, through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford. Primary health care is based on the principles of accessibility, affordability, and equity.
In Nigeria, primary health care has several advantages that make it an essential component of the country's health care system.
Cost-effective: Primary health care is often more cost-effective than tertiary care (specialized medical care). By providing preventive and curative services at the primary level, the need for more expensive specialized care is reduced, ultimately leading to lower healthcare costs for individuals and the government.
Accessibility: Primary health care is often more accessible than tertiary care, particularly for individuals living in rural or underserved areas. Primary health care centers are typically located within or near communities, making it easier for individuals to access care.
Equity: Primary healthcare ensures that all individuals, regardless of their income or social status, have access to quality healthcare services. This is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where there are significant inequalities in access to health care.
Comprehensive care: Primary health care provides a range of services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. This means that individuals can receive a range of health care services under one roof, rather than having to go to multiple facilities for different types of care.
Community involvement: Primary health care emphasizes the involvement of the community in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health care services. This helps to ensure that the services provided are relevant and meet the needs of the community.
Chronic disease management: Primary health care can play a significant role in the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. By providing ongoing care and support, primary health care can help individuals with chronic conditions better manage their health and prevent complications.
Maternal and child health: Primary health care can help to improve maternal and child health by providing essential services such as antenatal care, delivery care, and postnatal care. This can help to reduce the rates of maternal and child mortality in the country.
Mental health: Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of primary health care, but it is just as important as physical health. Primary health care centers can provide mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, to individuals in need. This can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve overall well-being in the community.
Disease prevention: Primary health care can play a critical role in the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. By providing immunizations, education on healthy behaviors, and screening for diseases, primary health care can help to reduce the burden of preventable diseases in the community.
Coordination of care: Primary health care can act as a coordinating point for individuals who need specialized care. By working closely with tertiary care facilities, primary health care providers can ensure that individuals receive the necessary referrals and follow-up care. This helps to ensure that individuals receive the right care at the right time.
In conclusion, primary health care is an essential component of the Nigerian health care system. Providing cost-effective, accessible, and comprehensive care helps to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the country. Additionally, primary health care can play a significant role in the prevention, management, and coordination of care for a wide range of health conditions.
