PHC Financing: Government, Stakeholders must seek innovative funding methods

To solve the problem of financing primary health care and meet the demands for a responsive and high-performing health system, governments and stakeholders must explore innovative ways to pool funds for effective healthcare coverage.

The Chairman Nigerian Governors Forum Governor Kayode Fayemi gave the suggestion in Abuja, at the Primary Heath Care Forum by the Nigerian State Health Leadership Collaborative.

The meeting was designed to cross fertilize ideas on how to improve health system financing in Nigeria.

According to Governor Fayemi, consolidating funding to address primary Health care and essential public health functions is key in achieving health financing.

Fayemi represented by Governor of Nassarawa State North Central Nigeria Mr Sule Abdullahi, advocated for an increase in budgetary allocations for healthcare both at the national and State levels.

Fayemi noted that, Nigerians Governors Forum is committed to working with the Nigerian Government and all partners to achieve the goals for primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

“Our partnership in eradicating Polio, and the inclusion of health-focused presentations in the monthly NGF meeting agenda, are examples of great collaboration, which must be sustained and built upon.”

Governor Fayemi said, “I can assure you of the continued willingness of the Forum to support and align with the strategies and interventions of the Federal Government aimed at improving Primary Healthcare financing and service delivery in Nigeria.”

Also, the Director General National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS Professor Nasir Sambo advised states governments to use the NHIS act for its greater advantages to Nigerians on access to care.

He said, “If Nigeria has a strong PHC system, it will address.”

Also speaking, the Director planning, Research and Statistics of the National Primary Heath Care Development Agency Dr. Abdullahi Bulama said, with more financing and greater oversight, the Primary Heath Care will function effectively in Nigeria.

Bulama, stressed the need for investment in PHC as doing so will reduce mortality and morbidity rates in the country.

He said, “For Nigeria to achieve the SDG 3 target, it must improve finding of PHC.”

Also, the Chairperson of States Health Insurance Forum, Dr. Mohammed Usman said, with sustained efforts from stakeholders the SDG3 goals will be achieved in Nigeria.

Development partners such as World bank, UNICEF and USAID among others who pledged commitment to PHC in Nigeria advocated for transparent accomplishment of target task to achieve better Primary Heath Care in the country.