A Bauchi based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) has commended Bauchi State Government for allocating 15.08 percent of its 2023 proposed budget to the health sector.
The commendation was contained in a press release signed and issued on Monday, by the Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) Advisor of J4PD, Bashir Hassan Abubakar and made available to newsmen in Bauchi.
J4PD also said that the 3 percent allocation to the health components of BASEPA, RUWASSA and Agriculture (nutrition) will further complement and provide the much needed buffer especially in providing health care services at the primary level.
While commending the State Government for the giant strides, that is inline with the Abuja declaration on health, J4PD also appeal for timely releases of allocation when eventually it is signed into law.
“For quite a while now Bauchi State has been consistent in allocating 15 percent inline with Abuja declaration and it is quite commendable. But our concern as CSO is that at the end of the year, the health budget performance leaves much to be desired and this is due to inadequate releases of funds appropriated”, said J4PD Coordinator, Elizabeth Nange Carr.
“We want to passionately appeal to the Bauchi State Government to improve on budget releases to enable relevant MDAs carry out programs and activities designed to strengthen it’s health care systems.
“The recent political will demonstrated by the Bauchi State Government by keying into the health insurance drive is also commendable. This singular act will no doubt pave the way towards achieving universal health coverage that is being championed globally”, said Carr.
J4PD further urged the State Government not to relent in its efforts in addressing the manpower gaps in the health sector.
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