Title: Application of the analytical hierarchy process to optimisation of healthcare financing

Authors: Stephen Gbenga Fashoto; Faith-Michael Emeka Uzoka; Godwin Ukaiji Okpokpo

Addresses: Department of Decision Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa ' Department of Mathematics and Computing, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada ' Centre for Management Development Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: Nigeria is a large, well-populated and developing country in the sub-Sahara Africa. Given its low pace of development, economic and social challenges, and ineffective and inefficient public policies and programs, health sector development has become a very big challenge. The consequences of this are high levels of health issues and low life expectancy. Health reforms and policies have been lopsided against the majority, thus creating issues of affordability for a vast majority of the populace. In this study, we utilised the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in modelling healthcare financing. The research shows that access (47.4%) and cost (30.3%) are critical factors in healthcare financing. Also, primary healthcare is considered of paramount importance, and needs to be better funded.

Keywords: healthcare finance; optimisation; healthcare status; healthcare policies; finance sources; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; Nigeria; affordability; financing healthcare; modelling; healthcare funding.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2016.081070

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2016 Vol.6 No.1, pp.58 - 79

Received: 24 Nov 2015
Accepted: 23 Jul 2016
Published online: 19 Dec 2016 *

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