By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
Donor partners working in the health sector in Kaduna State on Thursday, hosted all members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Ministry of Health and its Departments and Agencies and the Civil Society Organisations to a dialogue to improve the health care sector in the State.
The two days dialogue which held in Kano, organised by Save the Children International (SCI) in collaboration with Lafiya Project, had other donor partners, Federal Ministry CS groups and the media as participants with the theme: “Strengthening Legislative-CS Partnership on the new Health Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and Engagement on three Executive Bills for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kaduna State”.
According to the organisers, the workshop is targeted at enhancing collaboration between the legislative arm and CSOs in promoting UHC in Kaduna State through the SWAp and Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB).
Apart from strengthening the existing CS-Legislative Engagement (CLEAP) for health sector (budget and SWAp) priorities, it also provided an opportunity to update participants on state health sector priorities alignment with SWAp and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint in Kaduna State.
Its also foster a deeper understanding between legislative, civil society community and implementing partners on healthcare financing and the three executive bills; that is, Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA) Revised Law; Kaduna State Health Supply Management Agency (KADHSMA) Revised Law and the Kaduna State Disease Control (KDCDC) Bill to be submitted to the Assembly were also discussed.
In her remarks, Umma K. Ahmed, the Commissioner for Health in the State, noted that the government has made tremendous investment to improve the health of its residents, as such, reviewing the policies would amongst other things; “make health Insurance more affordable and accessible.
“Increase supplies of affordable and quality drugs and other medical consumables to both public and private health facilities and strengthen the state ability to effectively and efficiently prepare and respond to outbreaks”.
She emphasised the strategic nature of the engagement which seeks to facilitate greater political and legislative commitment on adequate and timely funding, appropriation, allocation, release and cash backing and draw attention to the SWAp that are aligned with the Human Capital Development agenda of Kaduna State Government and achievement of the overarching SDG goals.
“Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to this important cause, and I encourage you all to collaborate with the Executive arms to consolidate on the milestones so far achieved in the health sector in the state and ensure successful implementation of this approach and plans for the betterment of our Health system.” Umma added.
The Commissioner while urging the Lawmakers to expedite action in attending to the Bills when they are presented to the House, appreciated the partners for their tireless efforts in supporting development in the State.
“I would like to express my profound appreciation for the partners especially this SWAp inspired collaboration between Save the Children International through its Gates Advocacy Anchor IV Grant and FCDO funded Lafiya Programme – UK & Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future, who are working diligently to support health systems strengthening in our dear state. Your hard work and dedication are well acknowledged.” She said.
Declaring the workshop open, the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, RT Hon. Yusuf Liman, who was represented by his Deputy, Danjuma Henry, assured the commissioner that the Assembly will give all the necessary support to ensure the Bills are passed.
According to him, the Legislators unders the importance good health as such they would do everything to ensure the citizens get the best health care delivery services.
“We all know the importance of health and anything that has to do with the health sector, we the Legislators will give it the best attention that’s required.” He said.
