This article describes what the main components of a national health policy should be, including the political, economic, social, and cultural determinants of health, the most important determinants of health in any country; the lifestyle determinants, which have been the most visible types of public interventions; and the socializing and empowering determinants, which link the first and second components of a national health policy. The individual interventions and the collective interventions. The author discusses the indicators that should be used for each component and for each intervention. The feasibility of this approach depends to a large degree on the political will of the national authorities and the broad understanding of the actual determinants of health.
A good first step is the National Health Policy plan developed by the Swedish social democratic government. This article builds on and expands on that model. The National Health Policy thrust represents the collective will of the governments and people of this country to provide a comprehensive health care system that is based on primary health care. It describes the goals, structure, strategy and policy direction of the health care delivery system in Nigeria. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the three tiers of government without neglecting the non-governmental actors. Its long-term goal is to provide the entire population with adequate access not only to primary health care but also to secondary and tertiary services through a well-functioning referral system. Unfortunately, most nation states have taken "health policy" to mean "medical care policy." Medical care, however, is only one variable in a nation's health equation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Major Thrusts of National Health Policy
- National Health System and Management
- National Health Care Resources
- National Health Interventions
- National Health Information System
- Partnerships for Health Development
- National Health Research
- National Health Care Laws
- Health System Based on Primary Healthcare
- Community Involvement
- Levels of Care
- Primary Health Care
- Secondary Health Care
- Tertiary Health Care
- National Health System Management
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this national health policy is to establish a comprehensive healthcare system in Nigeria, based on primary healthcare, ensuring access to promotive, protective, preventive, restorative, and rehabilitative services for all citizens. This involves outlining the roles and responsibilities of different governmental tiers and non-governmental actors, aiming for a well-functioning referral system across all levels of care.
- Establishment of a comprehensive healthcare system based on primary healthcare.
- Defining roles and responsibilities across governmental and non-governmental entities.
- Ensuring access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services.
- Addressing the political, economic, social, and cultural determinants of health.
- Promoting community involvement and self-reliance in healthcare.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This section introduces the National Health Policy's aim to create a comprehensive healthcare system in Nigeria built upon primary healthcare principles. It highlights the policy's goal of ensuring access to healthcare services at all levels for every citizen, acknowledging the roles of various governmental levels and non-governmental organizations in achieving this objective. The introduction also subtly emphasizes the need to look beyond just medical care, considering broader determinants of health within the nation's context.
Major Thrusts of National Health Policy: This chapter details the key areas of focus within the national health policy. These include establishing a robust national health system, managing healthcare resources effectively, implementing various health interventions, developing a comprehensive information system, fostering partnerships for health development, investing in health research, strengthening healthcare laws, and improving national health systems management. The section emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare improvement, recognizing interconnectedness across various sectors.
Health System Based on Primary Healthcare: This chapter focuses on the structure and function of the primary healthcare system. It outlines essential components such as IEC programs, food supply and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, maternal and child health care (including family planning), immunization, disease prevention and control, treatment of common ailments, essential drug supply, and mental and oral health programs. The emphasis is on culturally sensitive and community-based approaches to healthcare delivery at the primary level, forming the foundation for a comprehensive system.
Community Involvement: This section underscores the critical role of community participation in planning and implementing health services. It advocates for mechanisms that allow for community consultation and input, emphasizing the utilization of traditional systems and community organizations in outreach and engagement. The inclusion of various stakeholder groups, such as professional associations, is also highlighted, alongside specific provisions for the healthcare needs of communities within military and police barracks.
Levels of Care: This chapter outlines the three levels of the national healthcare system: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary healthcare focuses on general preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services at the local government level. Secondary care provides specialized services, while tertiary care handles highly specialized cases in teaching and specialized hospitals. The chapter emphasizes the importance of a well-functioning referral system between these levels and a balanced geographical distribution of resources.
National Health System Management: This chapter addresses the crucial aspect of effective healthcare management. It stresses the importance of establishing systematic managerial processes at all levels to ensure the successful implementation of health schemes. This includes creating a national managerial process incorporating policy goals, priorities, and directions tailored to various states' needs while aligning with broader national social and economic development policies. The focus is on preventing implementation failures through robust management strategies.
Keywords
National Health Policy, Primary Healthcare, Nigeria, Healthcare System, Community Involvement, Health Interventions, Health Management, Referral System, Levels of Care, Determinants of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nigeria's National Health Policy
What is the main objective of Nigeria's National Health Policy?
The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive healthcare system based on primary healthcare, ensuring all citizens have access to promotive, protective, preventive, restorative, and rehabilitative services. This includes defining roles for governmental and non-governmental entities and creating a functional referral system across all care levels.
What are the key themes or major thrusts of the National Health Policy?
The policy focuses on several key areas: establishing a strong national health system; effectively managing healthcare resources; implementing health interventions; creating a comprehensive health information system; fostering partnerships for health development; investing in health research; strengthening healthcare laws; and improving national health system management. A holistic approach is emphasized, recognizing the interconnectedness of various sectors.
How does the policy define the structure of the healthcare system?
The policy outlines a three-tiered system: Primary Healthcare (providing basic services at the local level), Secondary Healthcare (offering specialized services), and Tertiary Healthcare (providing highly specialized care in teaching and specialized hospitals). A functional referral system between these levels is crucial.
What role does primary healthcare play in the policy?
Primary healthcare forms the foundation of the system. It emphasizes culturally sensitive and community-based approaches, focusing on essential services like IEC programs, nutrition, sanitation, maternal and child health, immunization, disease prevention and control, treatment of common ailments, essential drug supply, and mental and oral health.
What is the importance of community involvement in the policy?
The policy strongly emphasizes community participation in planning and implementing health services. It advocates for community consultation, utilizing traditional systems and community organizations for outreach and engagement. The involvement of various stakeholders, including professional associations, is also highlighted.
How does the policy address the management of the national health system?
The policy stresses the need for effective management at all levels to ensure successful implementation of health schemes. This includes creating a national managerial process that incorporates policy goals, priorities, and directions tailored to various states' needs, while aligning with broader national social and economic development policies. Robust management strategies are crucial to prevent implementation failures.
What are the key components of the primary healthcare system as outlined in the policy?
Key components include: IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) programs; food supply and nutrition; safe water and sanitation; maternal and child health care (including family planning); immunization; disease prevention and control; treatment of common ailments; essential drug supply; and mental and oral health programs.
What are the specific levels of care defined within the Nigerian National Health Policy?
The policy defines three levels of care: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. Primary healthcare focuses on general preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services at the local government level. Secondary care provides specialized services, and tertiary care handles highly specialized cases in teaching and specialized hospitals.
What is the significance of the referral system in this healthcare policy?
A well-functioning referral system between the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care is crucial for ensuring patients receive appropriate care at the right level and for efficient resource allocation.
What are the key words associated with Nigeria's National Health Policy?
Key words include: National Health Policy, Primary Healthcare, Nigeria, Healthcare System, Community Involvement, Health Interventions, Health Management, Referral System, Levels of Care, and Determinants of Health.
- Quote paper
- Yusuf Popoola (Author), 2021, National Health Policy Thrust in Relation to Health Information Management. A Concise Review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1184387
