Science is the search for, and the practice of, truth. Its tools are rationality, objectivity, clarity, reproducibility, experimentation and the exchange of reliable information and services for the benefit of mankind. The process of science is governed by rationality, logic and truth; and the scientist through systematic activity objectively and critically observes, collect, classify and process information for a scientific result.
Health science, like every other science, is the search for truth – the truth for health promotion, disease prevention, management and treatment of ill-health. It is a noble pursuit that should be encouraged and appropriately utilised for the achievement of desired goal – good health.
Unfortunately, there are different types, and countless cases, of abuse and misuse in the health science and healthcare services than could be imagined that instead of getting good health, many people end up with ill health!
What is health?
According to World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is “a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”
Physical health or physical wellbeing means a good body health, which is healthy because of regular physical activity (exercise), good nutrition, and adequate rest. It is something a person can achieve by developing all health-related components of his/her lifestyle. Other contributors to physical wellbeing may include bodyweight management, abstaining from drug abuse, avoiding alcohol abuse, responsible sexual behavior (sexual health), hygiene, and getting the right amount of sleep and rest.
Fitness reflects a person’s cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Mental health refers to people’s cognitive and emotional well-being. A person who enjoys good mental health does not have a mental disorder. According to WHO, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. It includes the ability to enjoy life, the ability to bounce back from adversity, the ability to achieve balance (moderation), the ability to be flexible and adapt, the ability to feel safe and secure, and self-actualization.
Wellness, according to Mickinley Health Center, University of Illinois, “is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximising an individual’s potential.” It is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing one’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being. Wellness is the integration of mind, body and spirit that allows for achievement of goals with the ability to live life to the fullest and to maximize personal potential in a variety of ways.
From the above, health is holistic. And to be healthy, there should be a balance with the triad of health.
On the other hand, disease is a “state of a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system, resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavourable environmental factors.” It can be synonymous with illness, sickness, or ailment. It mitigates productivity and longevity.
Anything short of good health is not desirable by every rational human being. Thus, the search for, and pursuit of, health through healthcare.
What is Healthcare?
Healthcare can be defined as “the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in human beings.” It is delivered by practitioners in allied health, dentistry, midwifery (obstetrics), medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, psychology and other health professions. Healthcare service refers to the work done in providing primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care, as well as in public health.
Healthcare extends beyond the delivery of services to patients, encompassing many related sectors, and set within a bigger picture of financing and governance structures. However, access to healthcare varies across countries, groups, and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the health policies in place.
A health system, sometimes referred to as healthcare system, is the organisation of people, institutions, and resources to deliver healthcare services to meet the health needs of target populations.
Healthcare contributes to a significant part of a country’s economy. For example, in 2011, the healthcare industry consumed an average of 9.3 percent of the GDP or US$ 3,322 (PPP-adjusted) per capita across the 34 members of OECD countries. The USA (17.7%, or US$ PPP 8,508), the Netherlands (11.9%, 5,099), France (11.6%, 4,118), Germany (11.3%, 4,495), Canada (11.2%, 5669), and Switzerland (11%, 5,634) were the top spenders, however life expectancy in total population at birth was highest in Switzerland (82.8 years), Japan and Italy (82.7), Spain and Iceland (82.4), France (82.2) and Australia (82.0), while OECD’s average exceeds 80 years for the first time ever in 2011: 80.1 years, a gain of 10 years since 1970.
The USA (78.7 years) ranges only on place 26 among the 34 OECD member countries, but has the highest costs by far. All OECD countries have achieved universal (or almost universal) health coverage, except Mexico and the USA.”
Though there is no reliable data with Nigeria’s case, very huge amount of money has been involved and will continue to be involved.
And there is always a conspiracy where big money is involved, giving way in this case to healthcare fraud.
What is Healthcare Fraud?
Healthcare Fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation within the healthcare system by a healthcare provider with the knowledge that the deception could result in some unauthorised benefit to himself or some other person. It is a type of white-collar crime that involves the filing of dishonest healthcare claims in order to turn a profit. When a healthcare fraud is perpetrated, the healthcare provider passes the costs along to its customers. And it can involve physicians, pharmacists, beneficiaries, and even medical equipment companies.
Healthcare Fraud can take many forms, and includes health insurance fraud, drug fraud, and medical fraud. Health insurance fraud occurs when a company or an individual defrauds an insurer or government healthcare programme. Fraudulent healthcare schemes come in many forms. The manner in which this is done varies, and persons engaging in it are always seeking new ways to circumvent the law.
Aside healthcare professionals and allied workers, charlatans and quacks are involved in fraudulent healthcare practices in Nigeria. And some of them are stack illiterates yet they claim to cure all sicknesses and diseases, parading with the prefix, “Dr.”! Hardly can one move around major cities and streets without seeing these heartless tricksters perpetuating their nefarious trade. From displaying funny pictures and concoctions to playing loud irritating uninformed messages with speakers hung high on electric poles and dancing around with mascots and animals on chartered buses, they seek attention and indeed get it that ignorant masses, maybe under hypnotization, patronize them at exorbitant cost. Contd next edition
