Cost Effectiveness and Demand for Medical Services among Rural Dwellers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

With daily improvement in science and technology, the demand for modern medical services is becoming increasing. This is because modern medical
services provide answers to some medical problems which could not be handled by traditional or other forms of medicine. Regrettably, these medical services receive low patronage as a result of high medical costs. The study examines cost effectiveness of demand for medical services in Ekiti State. It employs data from both primary and secondary sources and use cognitive consumer behaviour approach as basis for its theoretical underpinning. Results from the study show though, most of the medical facilities were available in the state but the cost of patronizing them was high and the patrons encountered problems in the course of patronage. The study suggests subsidization in the cost of drugs and possibly, makes health free so as to allow better patronage. The study is of benefit to policy makers and
researchers.

Key words: Cost effectiveness, demand, medical services, conceptualization