Kaduna govt. unveils health care financing policy document

Kaduna Government, on Monday, 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 that the document would enhance demand and access to health care services, especially among the vulnerable group.

Ahmed said that the document was yet another laudable initiative of the state known for formulating good policies, particularly on health and education.

In his remarks, the Chairman, State Technical Working Group, Health Financing, Malam Abubakar Hassan, said that provision of adequate and sustainable financing was critical to effective and equitable health system performance.

According to him, the state government has, in recent times, initiated several health reforms targeted at improving the wellbeing of the people.

He, however, said there was still a gap in provision and uptake of quantitative health care service delivery in the state, despite the efforts so far made.

Hassan, who doubles as Director-General (DG), 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 said.

Mr Farouk Mayana, Advocacy and Communications Co-ordinator, Save the Children International (SCI), commended the state government for developing the document.

He said that 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.