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
1. National Health System and Management
1.1 Health System Based On Primary Healthcare
1.2 Community Involvement
1.3 Levels of Care
1.3.1 Primary Health Care
1.3.2 Secondary Health Care
1.3.3 Tertiary Health Care
1.4 National Health System Management
1.5 The National Health Managerial Process
2. National Health Care Resources
2.1 Background
2.2 National Health Manpower Development
2.3 Monitoring and Evaluation
2.4 Financing For Human Resources for Health
2.5 Food, Drugs and Vaccines, Dressings and Quality Control
2.6 Equipment
2.7 Health Care Facilities
2.8 National Health Care Financing
3. National Health Interventions
3.1 Hiv/Aids
3.2 Malaria
3.3 Immunization
3.4 National Blood Transfusion
3.5 The National Drug Policy
4. National Health Information System
4.1 Establishment of the Information System
4.2 Development of the Information System
4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Care
4.3.1 Health Policy Indicators
4.3.2 Health Status Indicators
4.3.3 Social and Economic Indicators
4.3.4 Provision and Utilization of Health Care Indicators
4.4 Sources of Health Data and Information
4.5 Health Data Consultative Committee (HDCC)
4.6 Responsibilities of Each Level on Health Information System
5. Partnerships for Health Development
5.1 Intersectoral Collaboration and Action
6. National Health Research
6.1 Research Activities
6.2 Research Data Bank
6.3 Quality Assurance for Research
7. National Health Care Laws
7.1 Policy Objective
7.2 Policy Thrust
Goal and Research Focus
The document aims to define the comprehensive structure, strategy, and policy direction of the Nigerian national health care delivery system, ensuring equitable access to health services across all government tiers while promoting primary health care as the foundation of the national system.
- Strengthening the national health system and management processes.
- Optimizing resource allocation and manpower development for health care.
- Implementing targeted national health interventions for disease control.
- Establishing a robust, data-driven national health information system.
- Fostering intersectoral partnerships and research-based health policies.
Excerpt from the Book
National Health Care Financing
The Federal, State and Local Governments shall review their allocation of resources to the health sector to bring them in line with internationally recommended standards. Within available resources, high priority shall be accorded to primary health care with particular reference to under-served areas and groups. Community and financial sector resources shall be mobilized in the spirit of self-help and self-reliance. The guiding principles for the development of the national health care financing strategy/policy shall be equity, availability, acceptability, accessibility, affordability and efficiency in resource use, collaboration between all levels of government, partnerships, community participation and sustainability.
In the light of the importance of health in socio-economic development, all Governments of the Federation shall review their financial allocation to health in relation to the requirements of other sectors of the economy. High priority programmes for primary health care shall have the first consideration on any additional resources that may be available.
Within the health care system, efforts shall be made to redistribute financial allocation among promotive, preventive and curative health care services to ensure that adequate emphasis and awareness shall be placed on promotive and preventive services without compromising curative health services.
Summary of Chapters
National Health System and Management: Outlines the structural foundation of the health system based on primary care, community involvement, and defined levels of care management.
National Health Care Resources: Details the strategies for human resource development, health care financing, procurement of drugs and vaccines, and the maintenance of health facilities.
National Health Interventions: Discusses the implementation of specific programs for controlling HIV/AIDS, malaria, immunization, and blood transfusion services.
National Health Information System: Explains the necessity of reliable data for decision-making and provides a framework for monitoring health indicators across various levels.
Partnerships for Health Development: Focuses on the necessity of stakeholder collaboration and intersectoral action to enhance health outcomes.
National Health Research: Covers the establishment of research priorities, data banks, and quality assurance to ensure evidence-based health practices.
National Health Care Laws: Addresses the need for updated legal instruments to govern and regulate health activities and health professionals in Nigeria.
Keywords
National Health Policy, Primary Health Care, Nigeria, Health System Management, Health Financing, HIV/AIDS Control, Malaria, Immunization, Health Information System, Public Health, Intersectoral Collaboration, Biomedical Research, Health Legislation, Human Resources for Health, Quality Assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this policy document?
The document serves as a comprehensive framework describing the goals, structure, and strategy for the Nigerian health care delivery system to ensure equitable access to health services for all citizens.
What are the core thematic areas covered in this strategy?
The document centers on system management, resource optimization (human and financial), targeted clinical interventions, information systems, intersectoral partnerships, research, and legal regulatory frameworks.
What is the primary goal regarding health care delivery in Nigeria?
The 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.
Which scientific management approach is recommended for health development?
The policy mandates a systematic managerial process including programming, programmed budgeting, plan of action, implementation, evaluation, and continuous reprogramming to ensure continuity and efficiency.
What is the focus of the "National Health Interventions" chapter?
This chapter outlines specific objectives for controlling major disease burdens, specifically HIV/AIDS, malaria, vaccine-preventable diseases, and ensuring safe blood transfusion practices.
What key keywords define the scope of this work?
Key terms include National Health Policy, Primary Health Care, Health Financing, Health Information System, and Intersectoral Collaboration.
How does the policy approach the role of traditional medicine?
The policy encourages the training and collaboration of traditional practitioners to improve their skills and ensure they effectively utilize the formal referral system for high-risk patients.
What specific financial strategy is proposed to improve health outcomes?
The policy suggests a minimum allocation of 15% of health budgets to human resources and encourages private sector participation, insurance schemes, and the redistribution of funds toward promotive and preventive services.
- 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
