Health Indices and Nigerian Economic Growth

Abstract

The investment in health is expected to contribute to economic growth through improvement in the life expectancy, reduction in absentees at work due to ill health of children and mothers, higher productivity, higher disposable income due to reduction in health expenses and reduction in mortality rates. However, empirical literature on the health and economic growth in Nigeria are mixed. Some studies reported inverse relationship while many others established direct impact. This, therefore, encouraged many attentions on the issue of Nigerian health in the literature. This study examined an impact analysis of health indices on the Nigerian economic growth. An empirical investigation was conducted using time series data on Gross Domestic Product, Infant mortality rate, Maternal mortality rate, Human Development Index, Neonatal Mortality rate, Under-5 Mortality rate and Life expectancy from 1986 - 2018. The technique of estimation employed in the study was Ordinary least square (OLS) method. A significant relationship between infant mortality rate and economic growth in Nigeria was established while an inverse relationship among neonatal mortality rate, under-5 mortality rate, life expectancy, human development index and economic growth in Nigeria was recorded. The study revealed that health indicators have a significant impact on economic growth. It was therefore, recommended that on-job training, seminars and workshops can be used to increase the Human Development Index of Nigeria as this can lead to sustainable economic growth. Also, proper public enlightenment and education of mothers on best health care practices is imperative for infant and child survival.