LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN OTURKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE NIGERIA

Local government administration plays a crucial role in community development particularly in health care delivery. This study examined the effect of local government administration on health care service delivery in Oturkpo local government area of Benue State. Specifically, it examined the effect of local government administration on drug availability; prevention and control of diseases; and maternal and child health provision in Oturkpo local government area. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Population of the study were the residents of the local council and they were 266,411. However, they were reduced to a researchable size of 400 through Taro Yamane Statitical formula. Analysis of the data was done through Mean score. Hypotheses of the study was done through Chi-square tool leading to the findigs of the study. The study found that local government administration in Oturkpo Benue State has no significant positive effect on drug availability; prevention and control of diseases; and provision of maternal and child health in the area. The study concluded that even though it is a constitutional requirement in Nigeria for local councils to deliver health care to the localities, most of them are failing in that requirement. The study therefore recommended for adequate funding from higher authorities to the local councils to enable them fulfil their constitutional duties.