EQUITABLE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE IN NASARAWA STATE; THE VENEZUELA EXPERIENCE AND CHALLENGE FOR SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION

Abstract

Equitable access to health care services by all populace of Nasarawa State has been the desire of the government of Nasarawa State. However, realizing health for all remains a misery in the State as access to conventional medicine that guarantees better healthcare services is not affordable by all. The objective of this paper therefore, is  to ensure a health system that guarantees equitable access to healthcare services by all citizens in the State. A sample of 505 respondents was drawn from a total population of 1,192,057 using Yamane sample size determining formula. The research instruments were structured questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The questionnaire was administered to 400 household heads, while in-depth interview was conducted on 105 community members occupying socio-economic statuses. The paper was predicated on one key question that demanded respondents‘ perception on the type of healthcare system that guarantees equitable and wholistic healthcare in Nasarawa State. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The result revealed that community-based integrated healthcare system is the option. This is a healthcare system that combined both orthodox and alternative medicine in the treatment of ailments. The advantages of this health system over the hitherto segregated system include: wholistic care with greater access to healthcare service and improved health condition as a result of blends of experts. The paper concluded by recommending the establishment of community-based integrated healthcare system in rural communities of Nasarawa State.