Could Patient Financing Help Nigerians Get Treatment Without Paying Upfront?

I think access to healthcare can fail even when hospitals, doctors and treatments are available. Patients may simply be unable to afford the bill upfront. Could financing help bridge that gap? One possible model would pair hospitals and clinics with financial institutions. For example, a patient needing ₦50,000 in treatment could receive care while the lender pays the clinic under agreed terms. The patient would then repay over a set period, perhaps one to twelve months, while the lender takes on the agreed credit risk. This could help patients get timely care and allow clinics to focus on treatment rather than debt collection. But it would depend on responsible lending, clear repayment terms and strong clinic partnerships. I’m interested in whether this model could work in Nigeria. Should inability to pay upfront mean someone has to delay treatment?

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