Organisation of health services in Nigeria

Nigerian indigenous medical practice is much older than the modern health services which were introduced into what is now known as Nigeria about 500 years ago, through the trans Sahara trade routes and later on, by the European traders, explorers, colonial military and civilian administrators and lastly the Missionaries. Only 20 per cent of the population have medical and health facilities in Nigeria. It is, therefore, envisaged to increase this coverage to 40 per cent by 1980 through the Basic Health Services Programme as set out in the Third National Development Plan (1975-1980).