An Integrated Health Programme (IHP) USAID, has pleaded with Bauchi State Government to focus much on human resource and distribution in the 2024 health budget for a more robust and sustainable healthcare system in Bauchi State.
The call was made by Mr Khalid Kasimu, the Health Financing Advisor of the organisation during a one day Media Quarterly Meeting held recently in Bauchi. He stressed the need to address critical funding and human resource issues in the health sector of the state.
“The state government needs to consider a proper cost-effective HRH supply-chain management system and retention strategies.
He added that “The projection of the health workforce, distribution of workforce by equity and effective management and health information systems should all be strengthened.”
Kashimu also called on the state government to also focus on family planning commodities, nutrition and as well increase infrastructure in health facilities such as power ,water and the rest more especially in rural areas.
Also speaking, Alhaji Saleh Giade, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the ministry would organize citizens’ engagement on budget.
Adding that, public hearing would be conducted across the three senatorial zones that involve stakeholders, the Civil Society Organisations, media among others.
According to the PS , “the purpose is to receive inputs, to ensure critical assessment on how the budget would look like.”
In her remark , the Coordinator of Journalists for Public Health Initiative and Development (J4PD), Mrs. Elizabeth Kah, informed that the purpose of the meeting was to improve understanding and accurately report progress on budget performances and financing reforms.
“It will also increase health insurance awareness among the public and develop the capacity of the media outlet on reporting health activities, ” Kah said.
