Background of the Study
Budget allocation is critical to the effective functioning of public health institutions, as it determines resource availability for infrastructure, personnel, and service delivery. In Nigeria, public health institutions face funding challenges that hinder their ability to provide quality healthcare services. Lagos State, with its high population density and diverse health needs, provides a unique context to examine the intricacies of budget allocation practices in general hospitals (Adewale & Adetunji, 2024).
Despite increased budgetary allocations to the health sector in Nigeria, inefficiencies in fund utilization and allocation persist. Public health institutions often struggle with inadequate funding, uneven resource distribution, and bureaucratic delays, which negatively impact service delivery and patient outcomes (Eze, 2023). Lagos State General Hospitals, as key providers of public healthcare, require strategic budgetary management to address growing demands for medical services effectively.
This study investigates budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals, analyzing their alignment with healthcare needs and identifying areas for improvement to enhance service delivery.
Statement of the Problem
Ineffective budget allocation in public health institutions has led to resource constraints, poor infrastructure, and substandard healthcare delivery in Nigeria. In Lagos State General Hospitals, the problem is exacerbated by rising patient numbers, limited funding, and inefficient resource management. While previous studies have highlighted budgetary challenges in the health sector, there is a lack of focused research on the allocation practices within public health institutions in Lagos State (Ogunleye et al., 2025).
This study addresses this gap by examining how budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals impact healthcare delivery, offering recommendations for more efficient and equitable resource distribution.
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals.
2. To assess the impact of these practices on healthcare delivery.
3. To recommend strategies for improving budget allocation in public health institutions.
Research Questions
1. What are the budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals?
2. How do these practices impact healthcare delivery?
3. What strategies can improve budget allocation in public health institutions?
Research Hypotheses
1. Budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals significantly influence healthcare delivery.
2. Inefficient budget allocation practices contribute to resource shortages in public health institutions.
3. Improved budget allocation practices enhance service delivery in Lagos State General Hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on budget allocation practices in Lagos State General Hospitals, exploring their impact on resource utilization and service delivery. Limitations include potential difficulties in accessing budgetary data and the generalization of findings to other states.
Definitions of Terms
• Budget Allocation: The process of distributing financial resources among various sectors or departments.
• Public Health Institutions: Government-funded facilities that provide healthcare services to the public.
• Healthcare Delivery: The provision of medical services to individuals and communities.