The High Cost of Drugs and Healthcare Services in Nigeria leading to a Return to Traditional Ante-natal Care
The high cost of drugs and orthodox healthcare services has led many pregnant women in Nigeria to return to traditional ante-natal care. In the past, herbal remedies were commonly used for various health issues, including pregnancy, but with the advent of modern medicine, they became less popular. However, the affordability and accessibility of modern healthcare have become major challenges for many Nigerians, particularly pregnant women.
The cost of drugs and ante-natal services in hospitals has skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many. For example, a pregnant woman could pay between N5,000 to N10,000 for ante-natal services and up to N100,000 to N150,000 for a normal delivery in a hospital. This has forced some women to seek alternative care from herbal practitioners, where the cost is significantly lower.
One woman, Mrs. Anirat Hassan, shared her experience of having her baby in a herbal home, where she paid N10,000 for ante-natal services and N20,000 for delivery. She explained that her husband’s job loss made it difficult to afford hospital care. Another woman, Mrs. Mercy Folorunsho, expressed regret over not being able to access hospital ante-natal services due to cost, and ended up losing her baby.
The rise in hospital bills and drug costs is attributed to various factors, including import bills incurred by pharmaceutical companies and the general increase in the cost of goods and services in the country. Hospital bills can range from N70,000 to N200,000, depending on the location, while the cost of drugs like analgesics and multivitamins has also increased significantly.
In conclusion, the high cost of healthcare in Nigeria, especially for pregnant women, has forced many to seek alternative care from herbal practitioners. While modern healthcare is preferred for its safety and effectiveness, the affordability and accessibility of traditional care have made it a more viable option for some.
