Cost of Malaria Treatment in Public vs Private Hospitals - What’s the Price Gap? - April 2025 Report

Published: April 01, 2025
Zellow Insights / Category: Price

“We all get malaria, but not all of us can afford to treat it the same way.”
- Anonymous respondent, Ibadan.

Why This Insight Matters

Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest yet most treatable diseases. But behind every malaria diagnosis lies a financial decision - where to go, what to pay, and what quality of care to expect.

While governments have made efforts to subsidize treatment in public hospitals, access, availability, and patient experience still vary dramatically. Many turn to private hospitals for speed and cleanliness, but at a much higher cost.

A total of 2,200 Nigerians shared their real-life experiences treating malaria in the last 6 months. Comparing both public and private healthcare systems. This article surfaces that data as a snapshot of what it actually costs to survive malaria today.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• ₦3,200 – Average cost of malaria treatment in public hospitals

• ₦13,600 – Average cost in private hospitals

• 4x difference between the two, despite treating the same illness

• 69% of private patients say they paid more than expected

• 84% of public hospital users complain of long wait times and drug shortages

Public Hospitals - Low Cost, Long Delays

Public hospitals remain the first stop for low-income households, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

Respondents described:

• Crowded waiting areas, often waiting over 4–6 hours to be seen.

• Out-of-stock medications, requiring them to purchase drugs from external pharmacies.

• Free or subsidized tests, but limited lab technicians, resulting in delays.

“The test was ₦700, the consultation ₦500, but I spent all day. They told me to go and buy the drugs outside.” — Anonymous respondent, Owerri

Yet despite the inconvenience, public hospitals still offer the most affordable access to basic malaria care. Many receive partial subsidies, especially pregnant women and children under five.

Private Hospitals - Speed Comes at a Cost

Private hospitals, especially in urban centers offer faster, more responsive service, but at a premium.

Common characteristics:

• Patients are attended to within 15–30 minutes.

• Hospitals often use branded antimalarial drugs, which are more expensive.

• IV treatments, overnight stays, and lab tests are itemized and billed individually.

“I knew it would cost more, but I couldn’t risk waiting. My son was burning with fever.” - Anonymous respondent, Lagos

Private clinics are often preferred by middle-income families, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, despite the financial strain.

Cost by Region

Insight: The higher the urbanization, the wider the gap. In cities like Abuja, private hospitals can charge over 5x more than public facilities.

Where Do People Go Instead?

Not everyone chooses hospitals, here’s where else respondents sought help:

• 22% went to local pharmacies or chemists without any formal diagnosis.

• 11% used herbal or traditional remedies before seeking medical care.

• 3% delayed treatment altogether due to cost.

This “informal treatment culture” is often a result of cost uncertainty, low trust in public care, or geographic barriers.

What This Means for Policy & People

Zellow’s malaria cost insight reveals more than numbers. it shows:

• Access is not just about location, but affordability and confidence.

• Private health is thriving, not necessarily because it’s better, but because public health often fails on experience.

• There is a gap in trust, quality, and equity that governments and private stakeholders must address urgently.

In Their Words

“Private hospitals care more, but most people can’t afford that kind of care every time.” - Anonymous respondent, Kaduna

“The government needs to fix hospitals, not just build new ones.” - Anonymous respondent, Port Harcourt

“We deserve fast care even if we’re poor.” - Anonymous respondent, Enugu

Be Part of the Data Movement

At Zellow, we believe that truth lives in the crowd. Every survey brings us closer to building an Africa where information drives better decisions, from policy to everyday choices.

Download the Zellow App to anonymously share your experience with malaria, hospitals, or healthcare costs in your region.

Your voice doesn’t just count, it changes the narrative.