INVESTIGATING THE LINK BETWEEN MEDICAL INFLATION AND MORTALITY RATES IN BAUCHI STATE: A STUDY OF HEALTHCARE COSTS AND DEATH RATES

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the link between medical inflation and mortality rates in Bauchi State, Nigeria, focusing on the economic and policy-driven factors that contribute to rising healthcare costs and their impact on healthcare accessibility and public health outcomes. The objectives of the study were threefold: to identify the primary causes of medical inflation in Bauchi State, assess its effects on healthcare access, and propose policy interventions to mitigate these impacts on mortality rates. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 120 participants, the study employed a quantitative research design, analyzing data through descriptive statistics to determine the correlation between rising healthcare costs and mortality rates. The findings indicate that medical inflation in Bauchi State is primarily driven by high costs of medical supplies, inadequate government funding, inflationary pressures, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Economic factors, including rising costs of living and unemployment, were also identified as significant contributors. These factors collectively restrict healthcare access, with 75% of respondents noting that healthcare is largely inaccessible to low-income groups, and 66.7% reporting that high costs deter people from seeking timely medical care. Furthermore, the study reveals a strong correlation between increased healthcare costs and higher mortality rates, as financial barriers prevent individuals from accessing essential healthcare services. Based on these findings, the study recommends increased government funding, the introduction of subsidies for low-income populations, regulation of medical supply prices, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, addressing broader economic issues, reducing corruption in healthcare spending, and fostering public-private partnerships are proposed as measures to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms to mitigate the effects of medical inflation on mortality rates in Bauchi State, with the goal of enhancing public health and reducing preventable deaths.