Recently, it was reported on social media that a young man lost his heavily pregnant wife in Lagos. This tragic incident reportedly happened because of his inability to deposit half a million Naira for her treatment at a private hospital.
He thereafter went on a social media rant accusing the private hospital of negligence and wickedness.
Expectedly, ordinary Nigerians berated the current President for not caring about its citizens as is obtainable in Western countries.
Let’s unpack this, shall we?
Women’s Hub conducted detailed research on healthcare systems in United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Italy and Finland. Also in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, and Rwanda.
United Kingdom: Operates National Health Service (NHS) which is universal health coverage for everyone. It’s funded through worker’s contributions and tax. Public health facilities are built from government funding. Private health facilities are available for the wealthy.
The United States: Operates health insurance funded by employers and corporations. You can be refused care at hospitals without health insurance. Low income families can access Medicaid.
Italy: Operates Universal Health Service for all Italians and foreign residents through contributions. It’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) has been in operation since 1978.
Germany: Operates Health Insurance Scheme that’s contributions based. Public health infrastructure is hugely funded by government.
Finland: Operates state, community and private health care centers for all citizens. Nobody can be denied because it’s mainly contributions and funded by government.
Rwanda: Operates Universal Health Service largely funded by government and employers. There’s safety nets for vulnerable and poor people.
Kenya: Operates Public and Private health care centers with emphasis on community engagement.
Morocco: Operates Universal Healthcare Services called Mandatory Health Insurance for private and public employees. There’s also Medical Assistance for the economically disadvantaged.
Nigeria: Operates a complex mix of public and private healthcare system. Federal government funds the tertiary hospitals, States fund the General hospitals and health centers. Local government authorities fund dispensaries and primary health centers. HMOs are available for private and public sector workers through contributions. Faith based and non governmental organisations provide medical interventions too.
One of such is Join The Cast Medical Outreaches for poor and vulnerable members of the society in Lagos. It holds monthly testing for Diabetes, High blood pressure, cholesterol, dental and mental health issues.
Diaspora Nigerians also conduct free surgeries for cataract, growths and kidney ailments.
More needs to be done.
Young couples however, need to be more proactive about their lives.
Here’s my counsel for young couples:
Pregnancy is not a tragic situation like road accidents, fire incidents or collapsed buildings that occur unexpectedly.
Pregnancy doesn’t jump on you. And it’s on usually occurs for 9 months providing ample time for processes and plans.
Young couples should start to plan and budget for their healthcare before getting married. They should factor in the number of children, the spacing and relevant health information of themselves. We must work hard to prevent such a harrowing situation from occuring again. Here’s how:
- Reduce your wedding budget. You don’t need to splash 20-30 million on your wedding.
- Have a budget for family expenses from the beginning.
- Put something aside every month for health insurance. Subscribe to HMO once you get married.
- Register at a public hospital near your house for routine medical needs.
- Know your health status before marriage such as your genotype, blood group and other hormonal issues.
- Be prepared mentally and financially before starting a family.
- Don’t over procreate and burden your rich relations.
Please send your comments and feedback on this to: mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com
Mubor Okosun
Women’s Editor.
