Utilization and costs of medical services at military health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army introduced user charges in its health care services in 1994. This study attempts to assess possible impact of user charges on the utilization of army health services in Ibadan, Nigeria. This is a descriptive, retrospective study and it involved the review of hospital records from 1992 to 1996 in military health facilities in Ibadan. Yearly consultation rate increased from 339 per 1,000 population in 1992 to 581 per 1,000 population in 1996. While cost of care significantly increased over the years in the army health facilities, services were offered at lower costs when compared with the cost of similar services from non-military medical centers. Utilization of health services is not deterred in spite of the introduction of user charges. Further study was suggested to assess impact.