From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Health Commissioners across the country under the auspices of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum have concluded plans for a two-day programme to discuss the issues of financing of Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Health commissioners’ Forum is Nigeria’s community of practice and learning platform created by the 36 States’ Health Commissioners across Nigeria.
A statement from the office of the Forum, indicated that the event scheduled for 5th and 6th of October, 2022, in Abuja, will hold in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and will focus on PHC financing, particularly the role sub-national systems must play in the process.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Service, Dr. Filani Oyebanji, who is the Chairman of the Forum, explained that the meeting will take stock of approaches to financing PHC in states, and also identify common challenges and policy responses.
He added: “It will also focus on modalities to develop a shared understanding on the way forward for financing PHCs in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
“High performing health systems recognise the importance of having an effective PHC service as a key driver of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), hence strengthening PHC strongly relies on PHC structures across Nigeria, to deliver individual based care and essential public health functions to all.
“Although, Nigeria has seen marked some improvements in service delivery of PHC services, increasing financing and improving current financing arrangements can catalyse our goal of achieving UHC by 2030 the statement emphasised.”
Dr. Filani said the event looks promising, as it stresses the importance the ecosystem places on this type of activity.