Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the perception regarding the health care financing system and its advancement towards health coverage in Nigeria among residents of Awka, Anambra state. An exploratory survey approach was used; and entailed the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data from 360 participants using one set of structured questionnaires, which was also used as an interview guide to collect data from the non-literate respondents. The findings reveal that majority of the respondents do not have knowledge of what the health care financing system involves, whether, on generation, allocation, or utilization of funds for health care, and thus do not agree with whatever the objectives of health care financing system is in Nigeria. Out-of-pocket expenditure has been reported as the mechanism commonly used for implementing a health financing system in Nigeria. There is little or no knowledge regarding the objective of pooling resources for health and no knowledge of how the government secures health services for the populace. Nigeria should develop and implement health financing policies that ensure contributions from relevant stakeholders aimed at investing in individuals, families, and communities, ensuring capacity development that will enable their active and meaningful engagement in health issues. This will thus optimize their knowledge as advocates for healthy policies, active co-developers of health and social services, and implementers of these services.

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