NIGERIA: State health officials in the North Central zone and other stakeholders have expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will revamp the health sector following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Their reaction came after they brainstormed on measures needed to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
This followed a two-day town hall meeting on health sector accountability held in Jos, Plateau State.
The event was organised by Connected Development in collaboration with BudgIT Foundation, a non-governmental organisation creating platforms of engagement between the people and the government.
They expressed optimism that with the removal of the fuel subsidy, Nigerians expected that the federal and state governments will no longer have excuses to surmount the challenges facing the sector.
In a communique issued on Sunday after the meeting, the stakeholders lamented the poor condition of PHCs in the North Central Zone, while also calling on the federal and state governments to take advantage of the fuel subsidy removal to prioritise efforts in tackling the rots in Nigeria’s health system
The communiqué pointed out that for the country to achieve the desired objective in the health sector, its budget should be driven by the citizens and stakeholders on their basic needs based on the peculiarities.
“Budget should arise from the health sector’s operational plan. The needs assessment should be conducted jointly before programme implementation,” the communique stated.
They also advocated for the private sector and community involvement in co-funding the health sector for sustainability, adding that directors of the budget should be involved in all activities in the health sector.
“There should be a balance in leadership, technical and administrative knowledge. Incentives and a conducive work environment for healthcare providers should be provided to discourage brain drain. Local production of vaccines and other essential medicines and consumables should be encouraged,” the communiqué added.
Punch
