EFFECT OF GLOBALIZATION ON PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Health sector in Nigeria, despite growth opportunities presented by the rudiments of globalization, remains decrepit, completely dysfunctional, or functioning at less than average capacity both in the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This has gone a long way to affect the delivery of health services particularly as it relates to primary healthcare. This study therefore examined the effect of globalization on primary healthcare services in Nasarawa State using the survey designed method. A sample of 308 respondents was statistically obtained from a population of 1356 using the Taro Yamane formula. The data for the study was collected through a quantitative method using the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The study findings revealed that information and communication technology, electronic record keeping and electronic payment system has a significant effect on primary healthcare delivery services in Nasarawa State. It was recommended that the government should make policies, particularly primary health care, to enhance the use of technology for patient medical history and records which can be easily accessible. It was also recommended that all-important technological infrastructures should be provided to enhance the use of electronic payment systems particularly in the rural areas where these services are very poor.