An Assessment of the Relevance of Religion to Health Care Delivery in Nigeria: Case of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Over time human beings have evolved various approaches to their ill-health problems. In the earliest times they were basically dependent on the supernatural forces (religious approach) for the cure of their ailments. But since the advent of scientific medicine, human beings, especially those in the advanced countries, have ignored or drastically reduced their emphasis on the age-long religious approach. However, religion still remains an indispensable component of healthcare though this seems to be unnoticed. This study, therefore, examines the relevance and/or role of religion in modern health care delivery in Nigeria. It uses Christianity as its reference point. Data were collected from Akwa Ibom State in south- eastern Nigeria. Result shows that patients combine prayers with medical care. It recommends that government should consider input from religion when formulating health care policies.