Methodological Evaluation of District Hospitals Systems in Nigeria: Panel Data Estimation for Efficiency Gains,

Nigeria faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly in district hospitals where efficiency varies widely. Panel data from 10 selected district hospitals will be analysed using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate technical efficiency, accounting for within-hospital variation over time. Technical efficiency scores indicate a moderate average of 75%, with some hospitals scoring as low as 60% in certain years. The panel data approach reveals heterogeneity and temporal fluctuations in hospital performance across districts. Targeted interventions should focus on improving resource allocation, training staff, and enhancing patient flow management. Panel Data, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, District Hospitals, Efficiency Measurement, Nigeria Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.