Cost Issues in Pacemaker Surgery in Nigeria

Abstract

Permanent pacemakers are being implanted worldwide for prolongation and improvement of lives of patients who have conduction defects. Even though the average cost of pacing has reduced significantly over the years, procurement of the all important treatment modality remains a major financial drain especially in a poor country like Nigeria.

We conducted this study to determine the cost implication of pacemaker surgery in Nigeria and to identify the factors that affect it. We also sought to determine the source(s) of funds for pacemaker procurement in Nigeria.

Out of the 62 patients who qualified for pacemaker insertion, only 41 of them could meet the financial needs. Despite the fact that 51(82.3%) of the needy patients belong to social classes I& II only 8 implantations were self sponsored.

We recorded major cost difference between the private and public health institution and we suggested ways of making pacemaker procurement cheaper and affordable to the needy population of patients.


NQJHM Vol. 14 (2) 2004: pp. 140-142