Oracle of Wisdom Journal of Philosophy and Public Affairs

Health inequality has become one of the most enduring social issues facing modern societies, particularly in developing countries. In Nigeria, for instance, access to basic social services has been characterized by deep-seated inequalities along socioeconomic status, geographical location, gender relations, and policy implementation. Although numerous attempts to improve the standard of healthcare delivery have been put in place, such as the National Health Act (2014) and the National Health Insurance Scheme, millions of Nigerians still face serious hurdles when accessing quality healthcare services. This paper seeks to investigate the issue of health inequality in Nigeria from a medical sociological perspective. Specifically, this study seeks to investigate the ways in which public policy and social factors influence healthcare accessibility and utilization. Using existing empirical studies, demographic surveys, and scholarly works, this study seeks to analyze the ways in which poverty, income inequality, geographical inequalities, and gender relations influence healthcare accessibility. This study posits that health inequality in Nigeria cannot be seen as a medical issue; rather, it is a reflection of the inequalities embedded in our social, economic, and political institutions. In addition, this study seeks to evaluate the existing policy interventions and their limitations in addressing inequalities in healthcare accessibility. Finally, the paper stresses on the need for a comprehensive policy approach that incorporates equitable healthcare financing, strengthened primary healthcare systems, and community-centred governance systems to mitigate healthcare inequality in Nigeria.

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