Governance of Public Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Discourse of the problems plaguing

healthcare delivery in Nigeria had failed to trace the

root or address them in the context of actual medical

practice. Usually, the focus is on the governance of

the healthcare system in respect of the role of

government and major stakeholders outside the

hospital environment.

Approach: We explored the meaning of authority

and governance and linked it with the organisation of

public tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Premised on the

propositions of the Organisational Theory, the authors

critiqued the system of authority and governance in

Nigerian tertiary hospitals. We argued that as a

colonial bequest, the system of governance of public

tertiary hospitals in Nigeria is somewhat adulterated

with the traditional pre-colonial form of authority.

Likewise, the African culture and philosophy firmly

held by the educated elite influence their leadership

styles, thus contributing to the lack of accountability

in healthcare institutions. Other factors responsible

for the flaws in institutional governance were

discussed and the way forward was proposed.

Conclusion: Certain leadership traits were identified

and a model for effective governance of tertiary health

institutions was further suggested, as the existing

system of governance needs urgent redress.