Evaluating the Treatment Costs for Uncomplicated Malaria at a Public Healthcare Facility in Nigeria and the Implications

Charles C. Ezenduka, Daniel Resende Falleiros and Brian B. Godman ()
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Charles C. Ezenduka: Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Daniel Resende Falleiros: Federal University of Minas Gerais
Brian B. Godman: Strathclyde University

PharmacoEconomics - Open, 2017, vol. 1, issue 3, No 5, 185-194

Abstract: Abstract Background Accurate information on the facility costs of treatment is essential to enhance decision making and funding for malaria control. Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the costs of providing treatment for uncomplicated malaria through a public health facility in Nigeria. Methods Hospital costs were estimated from a provider perspective, applying a standard costing procedure. Capital and recurrent expenditures were estimated using an ingredient approach combined with step-down methodology. Costs attributable to malaria treatment were calculated based on the proportion of malaria cases to total outpatient visits. The costs were calculated in local currency [Naira (N)] and converted to US dollars at the 2013 exchange rate. Results Total annual costs of N28.723 million (US$182,953.65) were spent by the facility on the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, at a rate of US$31.49 per case, representing approximately 25% of the hospital’s total expenditure in the study year. Personnel accounted for over 82.5% of total expenditure, followed by antimalarial medicines at 6.6%. More than 45% of outpatients visits were for uncomplicated malaria. Changes in personnel costs, drug prices and malaria prevalence significantly impacted on the study results, indicating the need for improved efficiency in the use of hospital resources. Conclusion Malaria treatment currently consumes a considerable amount of resources in the facility, driven mainly by personnel cost and a high proportion of malaria cases. There is scope for enhanced efficiency to prevent waste and reduce costs to the provider and ultimately the consumer.

Keywords: Malaria; Antimalarial Drug; Malaria Case; Malaria Prevalence; Malaria Treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s41669-017-0021-8

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