THE IMPACT AND CHALLENGES OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA FROM 1972-2015

Abstract

This study discusses the impact of private health institutions in Wukari. It provides an historical background to the evolution of health care in Nigeria from the European missionaries and later the colonialists down to the independence of Nigeria. The study emphasised that the disparity witnessed in the distribution of health centres at present was established during the colonial regime which focused more on the urban areas with strategic places reserved for Europeans and senior civil servants in the
colonial government. The presence of private health institutions serves as a means for economic empowerment by providing more jobs, reaching out to more percentage of the populace and reducing the burden on government hospitals and the workforce. The study also brought to light some of the crucial challenges faced by these private outlets such as lack of water, electricity and enabling environment. This study therefore espouses the impact and contributions of private health institutions to the growth of Wukari as well as some of the challenges faced by the private health sector in the provision of health care
service and their general operations within the study area. The study utilizes both primary and secondary data to have a robust research.