Challenges of implementing sustainable health care delivery in Nigeria under environmental uncertainty

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing cost of health care in developed and developing economies has called for a change in the way health activities are implemented. Nigeria is faced with fundamental health care related challenges coupled with recent security issues. Uncertainty prevails as health system dynamics unfolds. Objectives: To explore the relationship between environmental uncertainty and health care delivery system in Nigeria. The study aims at reviewing the dynamics of health care delivery in some developed economies and Nigeria with regard to methods of adaptation of health care under uncertainty, and developing a framework for sustainable health care delivery. Methods: Databases were searched for relevant literatures using the following keywords: environmental and health uncertainty, Nigerian health care system, Nigerian primary health care, health care financing and sustainability. Other keywords used include: US, Europe and China health care dynamics, among others. Scientific databases obtained from the Internet were used including online journals, which were sourced mainly from the Google. Relationships if any were established and a framework for sustainability developed. Results: Environmental uncertainty has a multiplicity of interactions with different aspects of health care system, resulting in poor infrastructural development, inadequate government funding, absence of integrated system for disease prevention and surveillance, policy reversals, security challenges, and unimpressive health indicators in Nigeria. A framework for implementing sustainable health care delivery under uncertainty is proposed. Discussion and conclusion: Uncertainty abounds in the Nigerian health care delivery system; causing further distortion in development of the health sector. Effective mobilization of health care professionals, use of sustainable care plans by government, use of integrated medical intelligence and surveillance systems, accountability, commitment, and above all quality leadership - will minimize uncertainty factors and enhance health care performance and sustainability in Nigeria.