An Assessment of Public Health Economy in Katsina State

Abstract

Health is generally an intrinsic human right as well as a central input to poverty reduction and socio-economic development. Better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also make an important contribution to economic progress as healthy population live longer, are more productive, and more prone to saving more. This paper critically assessed the public health economy with a particular reference to accessibility, manpower distribution and major health problems in Katsina state. The paper used primary and secondary data based on the research objectives and important health indicators respectively. Descriptive statistical techniques were used in the presentation, analysis and discussions of data. Findings of the paper show that, doctor to population ratio stood at 1:67,415; ratio of nurses to population stood at 1:16,086; ratio of midwives to female population was put at 1:13,423. High blood pressure, diabetes and infectious diseases were found to have great impact on overall community health. Likewise, drug abuse, dropping out of school, and being overweight are the three (3) important risky behaviors that may generate or trigger health tension in the area. However, healthy behavior and life styles, access to health care services and clean environment are the factors which could improve the quality of life in the area. It was also found that, drugs for major health problems are free in the study area, there is awareness as regards to free health care services delivery in the area triggered by NGOs’ intervention. Conversely, it was found based on the average mean scores that, there is no availability of health manpower in the state, no sufficient beds, wheel-chairs, ambulances and other health infrastructure in the state. There is no sound interconnection and feedback between primary health care units, secondary health care unit and tertiary health care unit. It is in the wake of these findings the paper calls on government, concerned agencies and community stakeholders to institute the spirit of volunteerism, philanthropism and humanitarianism to ensure adequate supply of health manpower, health infrastructure, public health awareness, accessibility to health services and more often than not establish a friendly and healthy environment that will pave ways for new economic, social and political dawn in the realm.