Kaduna domesticates Health Care Financing Policy
Kaduna domesticates Health Care Financing Policy
By: Femi Mustapha
In order to guarantee universal access to an essential care package, increase access to health care services, improve the quality of health care delivery, increase demand for health care services, and provide financial access for the vulnerable group, the Kaduna State Government has launched its Health Care Financing Policy, Strategy, and implementation plan.
Speaking during the launching of the policy in Kaduna on Tuesday, 31st July 2023, the State Commissioner for Health, Hajia Umma Ahmed, said the State is ahead in formulating good policies, especially regarding health and education.
She said the policy would go a long way in improving the health system in the State while disseminating it would benefit the people, especially the vulnerable.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Technical Working Group for Health Financing, Malam Abubakar Hassan, said the provision of adequate and sustainable financing is vital to effective, efficient, and equitable health system performance.
According to him, the Kaduna state government in recent times has initiated several health reforms targeted at improving the health and wellbeing of its residents. Despite these efforts, there remains a gap in the provision and uptake of quality health care services in the state.
Hassan, who also doubles as the Director General (DG) of Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), stressed that the availability of funds would aid the removal of financial barriers to accessing health care and ensure that all citizens (especially vulnerable groups) have timely access to quality health services.
He stressed that the Kaduna State Health Financing Policy and Strategy 2022 had 3 doses of immunization for the prevention of childhood killer diseases.
Hassan added that from the health systems perspective, the goals would ensure the efficient use of financial resources for health, universal access to an essential package of care, improved quality of healthcare services, increased demand for healthcare services, and adequate regulatory frameworks for health financing.
In his remarks, the Advocacy and Communications Coordinator of Save the Children International (SCI), Farouk Abdulkadir Mayana, congratulated the State for the development of the Health Care Financing Policy, Strategy, and implementation plan for increasing General Health Expenditures, which will improve health coverage, including that of the vulnerable population.
According to him, the way health systems are financed is a critical determinant for reaching Universal Health Coverage.
“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.
“Save the Children remains extremely committed to facilitating and supporting the implementation of the Policy, Strategy.
“To this end, we thank the Kaduna state government for the conducive environment and are happy to continue our good relationship for the good people of Kaduna.”
