ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES OF PRIVATE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND QUALITY CONCERNS

The private healthcare sector in Southeast Nigeria has grown to be an essential part of the region's healthcare system, supposedly completing the gaps left by public healthcare institutions. However, its delivery is fraught with significant challenges that impact population health outcomes and economic well-being. This study assesses the tripartite challenges of accessibility, Affordability, and Quality of care within private healthcare delivery in Southeast Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected via an online survey from 512 residents across the five southeastern states. The survey instrument measured perceptions across three validated scales. Findings indicate that while geographical accessibility is moderate in urban centers, financial Affordability remains a critical and pervasive barrier for a majority of the population. Furthermore, perceived Quality is highly uneven and demonstrates a strong, positive correlation with a patient's ability to pay, indicating a two-tiered system. According to regression analysis, accessibility and Affordability are significantly predicted by geography and income, respectively. The study concludes that the private sector's ability to contribute to health goals in Southeastern Nigeria would remain largely unmet in the absence of strategic regulation, innovative financing structures, and successful public-private collaborations. Recommendations are offered for policymakers, private healthcare providers, and researchers