Kaduna State Government has unveiled a health care financing policy and strategy document as part of efforts to improve health care service delivery in the state.
Speaking at the occasion in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed said the document would enhance demand and access to health care services, especially among the vulnerable group.
According to her, the document is another laudable initiative of the state, which is known for formulating good policies, particularly on health and education.
The Chairman, State Technical Working Group, Health Financing, Malam Abubakar Hassan, said the provision of adequate and sustainable financing was critical to effective and equitable health system performance.
Health reforms
He mentioned that the state government has in recent times, initiated several health reforms targeted at improving the wellbeing of the people.
He however lamented the gap in the provision and uptake of quantitative health care service delivery in the state, despite the efforts so far made.
Hassan, who doubled as Director-General, Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), noted that adequate funding would remove barriers to timely access to health care services.
“The goal is to ensure efficient use of financial resources for health, universal access to essential package of care, improved quality of healthcare services, increased demand for health care services and adequate regulatory frameworks for health financing,” he stressed.
Developing the document
Mr Farouk Mayana, Advocacy and Communications Co-ordinator, Save the Children International (SCI), commended the state government for developing the document.
He said the policy would increase general health expenditures and improve health coverage of the citizens, especially the vulnerable population.
“The way health systems are financed is a critical determinant for reaching Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This is why Save the Children, through the Gate Anchor IV Grant, supported the ministry of health to develop the healthcare financing policy strategy and implementation plan,” Mayana said.
He reiterated his organisation’s unwavering commitment to facilitating and supporting the implementation of the policy.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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