Rising healthcare costs push more Nigerians toward herbal remedies, self-medication

Rising healthcare costs and worsening economic conditions are forcing many Nigerians to abandon formal medical care in favour of self-medication, herbal treatments, and unregulated alternative remedies.

The trend comes amid persistent inflation, a weakened naira, and sharp increases in the prices of medicines and medical services, leaving many households struggling to afford basic healthcare.

Health experts say the cost of essential drugs, including antibiotics, inhalers, and medications for chronic illnesses, has surged significantly in recent months. The rising cost of diagnostic tests, consultations, and hospital procedures has further compounded the burden on patients.

According to medical practitioners, many Nigerians are now opting for cheaper alternatives, including herbal preparations, over-the-counter medications purchased without prescriptions, and remedies recommended by friends and family members.

A consultant haematologist at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, said the growing financial hardship has made it difficult for many people to purchase prescribed medications.

“A lot of people simply do not have enough money to buy medications. People continue to lose faith in orthodox medicines because of the high costs, and this makes them turn to herbal preparations, which are cheaper and more readily available,” he said.

Traditional herbal vendors across several parts of the country have reported increased patronage as more people seek affordable treatment options. In many cases, herbal mixtures cost far less than hospital consultations and prescribed medications for common ailments such as malaria and typhoid fever.

The shift has also been amplified by social media, where unverified herbal products and so-called miracle cures are increasingly marketed to consumers seeking low-cost healthcare solutions.

However, health professionals have warned that the growing dependence on self-medication and unregulated remedies poses serious risks. They noted that many patients often seek professional medical attention only after alternative treatments fail, leading to delayed diagnosis and more complicated health conditions.

Medical experts have also expressed concern over reports linking prolonged use of unregulated herbal concoctions to cases of kidney damage, liver complications, and other health challenges. In addition, public health authorities have warned that the misuse of antibiotics without proper medical supervision could contribute to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Stakeholders in the health sector have called for urgent reforms, including expanded health insurance coverage, increased investment in local pharmaceutical production, and stronger regulation of alternative medicine practices.

They argue that without measures to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, more Nigerians may continue to rely on potentially unsafe treatment options, further increasing public health risks across the country.