Background of the Study
Health service delivery in Nigeria is influenced by various geopolitical determinants, including political decisions, resource distribution, and social structures. In Gombe Local Government Area (LGA) in Gombe State, these determinants have played a critical role in shaping access to and the quality of healthcare services. Geopolitical factors such as the distribution of health facilities, local governance, and the prioritization of health issues at both state and federal levels have direct implications on health outcomes for residents of Gombe LGA (Nuhu & Musa, 2024). Gombe, being a predominantly rural area with significant infrastructural challenges, faces difficulties in ensuring that healthcare services are equitably distributed across the region. The study seeks to evaluate how these geopolitical factors affect health service delivery in Gombe LGA, particularly in terms of access to medical facilities, quality of care, and health outcomes for vulnerable populations (Abdulkareem & Zubair, 2023).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts by the government to improve healthcare in Gombe, the region still faces significant disparities in access to healthcare services. Geopolitical factors such as political marginalization, unequal resource allocation, and the prioritization of healthcare policies at the state and national levels have contributed to these disparities (Nuhu & Musa, 2024). The study seeks to assess the extent to which these geopolitical determinants influence health service delivery and identify ways to improve healthcare access and quality in Gombe LGA.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the geopolitical factors influencing health service delivery in Gombe LGA.
To assess the impact of political and administrative decisions on healthcare access and quality in Gombe.
To recommend strategies for improving health service delivery in Gombe LGA through better consideration of geopolitical factors.
1.4 Research Questions
How do geopolitical factors influence health service delivery in Gombe LGA?
What are the main challenges faced by healthcare providers in Gombe due to political and administrative decisions?
What strategies can be implemented to improve healthcare delivery in Gombe LGA?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Geopolitical factors significantly affect the delivery of healthcare services in Gombe LGA.
Political and administrative decisions impact the quality of healthcare services in Gombe.
Addressing geopolitical determinants will improve health service delivery in Gombe LGA.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it will provide critical insights into the geopolitical determinants of health service delivery in Gombe LGA. The findings will be valuable to local government authorities, health policymakers, and healthcare providers seeking to improve access to and the quality of healthcare in the region (Abdulkareem & Zubair, 2023).
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses specifically on Gombe Local Government Area and evaluates how geopolitical factors influence health service delivery within this region. Limitations include the challenge of gathering comprehensive data from healthcare providers and patients and the difficulty of isolating the effects of geopolitical factors from other healthcare challenges.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Geopolitical Determinants: Political, social, and economic factors that influence decision-making processes in health service delivery (Nuhu & Musa, 2024).
Health Service Delivery: The provision and accessibility of healthcare services to the population, including medical facilities, personnel, and services (Abdulkareem & Zubair, 2023).
Gombe Local Government Area: A local government area in Gombe State, Nigeria, with challenges related to healthcare access and infrastructure (Nuhu & Musa, 2024).