External Debt Burden and Health Expenditures in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the relationship and implications of servicing Nigeria's external debt and the resources devoted to the health sector. The poor state of health services delivery is attributable to the under-funding of the sector. This is partly explained by the huge resources set aside for external debt servicing, with limited funds left for the social services sector. An attempt was made to develop a multiple-regression model and test it with data from Nigeria. Contrary to expectations, a positive relationship was established between external debt servicing and health expenditures. This was probably due to debt rescheduling exercises, which is further recommended.


Key words: Debt burden; Health expenditures.


[Nig. Jnl Health & Biomedical Sciences Vol.1(1) 2002: 1-5]