The primary health care services in Nigeria: constraints to optimal performance.
BACKGROUND
This paper examined the management of the Primary Health Care Services in Nigeria using both Primary and Secondary data.


METHODS
The Primary data were generated from social survey, interviews and participant observation while secondary data were sourced from health institutions. Data gathered were analysed using quantitative and descriptive methods.


RESULTS
The findings of the study showed a low level of interaction and coordination among tiers of government which resulted in poor performance of PHC at the grassroot. The Primary Health Care Programme was grossly underfunded which manifested in the low performance of the PHC delivery facilities. The research identified some institutional impediments such as conflicts between Local and State Governments resulting in a strained relationship, poor collaboration and weak linkage. Community participation which is a sine qua non in the attainment of the objectives of the programme was very low. Finally, the participation of international organisations like UNICEF and USAID in PHC Programme was responsible for most of the achievement made so far.


CONCLUSIONS
The research recommended among others that the three tiers of government must relate to one another to ensure that a harmonious relationship exists at all times through official interactions on all issues that affect the three levels of government especially the policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, and evaluation of the Primary Health care programme.
Omoleke
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II
Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
D002017:Budgets; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005380:Financing, Government; D006291:Health Policy; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007857:Leadership; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation