Health sector corruption and COVID-19 outbreak: evidence from Anambra and Enugu States, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This paper examines self-accounting views of health sector corruption in the midst of COVID-19 outbreak in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria. Using a qualitative research approach, a sample of 36 respondents was drawn from Anambra and Enugu States. The purposive sampling technique was used to reach the respondents. In-depth interviews were the instrument for data collection. Findings confirmed that corruption in the health sector has created institutional mistrust and a formidable foe in the fight against COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. The paper recommends the need for packages and incentives for healthcare professionals to be made adequate and equivalent to the global west, which will also help avert the brain drain in the sector. In addition, the paper recommends that the Nigerian people should stop being apathetic in their engagement with public office holders. A citizenry that does not engage its leadership will not receive the best of leadership, since constantly engaging public office holders and constructively questioning policies and actions can improve the nation.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-corruption laws
• brain-drain
• corruption
• COVID-19
• healthcare system

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Obinna J. Eze

Obinna J. Eze is a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interests are criminology and criminal justice, victimization and socio-political issues.

Benjamin Okorie Ajah

Benjamin Okorie Ajah is a Doctoral student and a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interests are violent offences, criminology, criminal justice and conflict studies.

Oluchukwu S. Nwonovo

Oluchukwu S. Nwonovo is a staff member at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani. His research interests are security and conflict studies, demography, conflict and peace studies.

Chiemezie S. Atama

Chiemezie S. Atama (PhD) is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research interests are population studies and women's issues.