A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that two-thirds of Nigerian doctors, nurses, and midwives demand bribes from patients before providing medical treatment.
The 2023 report, titled “NBS Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trend,” was published on Thursday and highlights the pervasive issue of corruption within the country’s healthcare system.
According to the report, 42 percent of healthcare workers (doctor, nurses and midwives) received bribes to expedite procedures, while 15 percent accepted bribes to ensure the completion of medical processes.
Additionally, 11 percent of the bribes were given as a “sign of appreciation,” indicating a culture of gratification for healthcare services.
The report stated, “As for doctors, nurses and midwives, 11 per cent of bribes were paid as a sign of appreciation, possibly reflecting gratitude for the care received.”
The findings have heightened concerns over the poor quality of health services in Nigeria, compounded by a shortage of health workers as many practitioners seek better opportunities abroad, a trend known as the “japa syndrome.”
The NBS report, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also disclosed that Nigerian public officials received a total of N721 billion in bribes in 2023, amounting to approximately 0.35 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
It is noteworthy that this report underscores the widespread corruption and impunity that undermine effective governance and erode public trust in Nigerian institutions.
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