As the earning power of Nigerians has recently taken a nosedive due to the high inflation rate, food insecurity, exchange rate etc; its imperative that our most cherished wealth is protected from the current woes..our Health.

Without further ado (and in no particular order) here are 7 ways to spend less on your healthcare in Nigeria WHEN you have to.

1. Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure

Schedule annual medical tests to preempt potentially expensive-to-treat diseases. Some diagnostic centers such as Iwosan wellness and MeCure have bundled test packages, so you don't have to bother about which tests to run.

Diagnosing any disease before any symptoms appear can considerably reduce the cost of treatment, and potentially save your life. Some good examples are the diagnosis of hypertension to prevent stroke, pap smears and prostate exams to identify cancers in early stages, before they grow and spread.

2. Buy Local

Buying your medications, medical supplies and consumables from NAFDAC approved local manufacturers can easily save you as much as 70% of what the imported brands cost. These companies offer more affordable medications, and therefore cheaper healthcare at the same quality, because most of their running costs and expenses are domiciled in Naira, therefore their costs of medications do not rise in tandem with the dollar rates. Some of the local manufacturers of note are Juhel, Fidson, Emzor, May & Baker etc

3. Know Thy Healthcare Professional

It's important to know the role, specialization and scope of practice of the healthcare professional you're seeing.

It's important to seek specialist care in cases that require them, as a lot of money can be spent on healthcare, without a definite diagnosis, necessary referral and appropriate management of the condition. E.g if you are hypertensive, you should see a cardiologist; if you have a toothache, see a dentist; If you've had a fracture, see an orthopaedic surgeon; if you've had a stroke or are post-op orthopaedic surgery, see a physiotherapist for your rehabilitation.

Seeing the right healthcare professional will not only save you money you may spend hospital hopping, but get you the appropriate treatment and recovery in record time.

4. Sweet Dreams (are made of health insurance)

Health insurance coverage is the most obvious of the lot. You don't want to be surprised by a healthcare expense in this current economy, and have to pay out of pocket. If you pay for a health cover, when you or a family member who is covered inevitably falls ill, it's not your problem anymore, but that of your health insurer!

Yes, some money will be spent to purchase the insurance plan, but health insurance is designed to let you get access to healthcare services worth up to 20X the money you paid. The health insurance systems pool in funds from everyone, and spend on those insured who need access to quality care.

It's basically a case of “pay N1, collect N20 in healthcare services back”. Some of the major health insurers in Nigeria are Hygeia HMO, AXA Mansard, Reliance HMO, MetroHealth etc. They also now offer monthly payment plans to Improve access to cheaper health insurance

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In Nigeria's current economic climate, accessing affordable healthcare is paramount. To alleviate financial strain, consider these seven strategies. Firstly, opt for generic medications, readily available at BorderFree Health pharmacy's nationwide. Secondly, explore community health initiatives offering subsidized services. Thirdly, leverage telemedicine for cost-effective consultations. Fourthly, prioritize preventive care to mitigate future expenses. Fifthly, join health insurance schemes tailored to varying budgets. Sixthly, seek out government healthcare subsidies and programs. Lastly, engage in health education to empower informed decision-making.