IMPACT OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT ON PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN KWARA STATE

Abstract

The healthcare management and primary healthcare system in Kwara State face numerous challenges that hinder the delivery of effective and equitable healthcare services. This study examined the impact of healthcare management on the primary healthcare system in Kwara State. Specifically, it evaluated the effect of healthcare planning on quality healthcare service delivery, determined the impact of healthcare financing on poverty reduction, and examined the influence of access to healthcare facilities on the well-being of poor people in Kwara State. A survey research design was adopted with a population of 3,444 primary healthcare workers. Using simple random sampling technique, a sample size of 385 respondents was selected. Data collected were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that healthcare planning, healthcare financing, and access to healthcare facilities were the major healthcare management strategies implemented by primary healthcare facilities in Kwara State. The study also found that the primary healthcare system in the state is effective in delivering quality healthcare services, improving the well-being of poor people, and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. Furthermore, healthcare planning was found to have a significant effect on quality healthcare service delivery, healthcare financing had a significant impact on poverty reduction, and access to healthcare facilities significantly influenced the well-being of poor people in Kwara State. The study concluded that effective healthcare management has a significant positive effect on the performance of the primary healthcare system in Kwara State. It was therefore recommended that government should ensure adequate and sustainable healthcare financing and improve access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to enhance service delivery, reduce poverty, and promote the well-being of the poor.