As part of efforts towards enhancing domestic resource mobilisation for increased access to quality and affordable healthcare, the Yobe State Ministry of Health through the State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) has organised a two-day Health Financing Policy retreat for high-level political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
The retreat attended by the legislature, permanent secretaries, WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates and Denote foundations, CSOs and the Nigerian Labour Congress among other development partners was also attended by the Executive Secretary of YSCHMA Dr Babagana Tijjani and stakeholders, as well as other health agencies.
The workshop was also meant to seek the support of the stakeholders in the ongoing Yobe State drive for mobilisation of additional domestic resources for health financing to achieving Universal Health Coverage Programme.
The Leader of the Yobe State House of Assembly Bukar Mustapha while declaring the retreat open at the Tahir Guest in Kano, described the event as apt especially with the recent progress made by the Yobe State Government on healthcare development.
Mustapha reassured the readiness of the members of the Yobe State House of Assembly towards working hand in hand with ministry of health among other stakeholders for attainment of the desired goals.
On his part, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr. Mohammed lawan Gana had in an overview of the Yobe State Government Healthcare delivery agenda said, the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni has within its short stay in office succeeded in initiating reforms that helped in rejuvenating the healthcare sector.
Gana disclosed that apart from the establishment of of the Yobe State Contributory Health Care management Agency (YSCHMA) and the Yobe State Drugs Consumable Agency (YODMA), government has succeeded in upgrading four general hospitals of Potiskum, Gashu’a, Geidam and Buni-Yadi to the status of specialists’ hospitals.
He said, “the administration of Mala Buni has also constructed and upgraded a total of 138 out of the 178 Primary Healthcare Centers at the political wards as promised during the governor’s inaugural speech with requisite health personnel.
“The administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni has within its stay, sponsored Over 400 doctors undergraduate training, 60 doctors for post graduate training, automatic employment of all indigenous medical doctors and employment of over 30 non indigenous doctors.
“Government has also absorbed 300 Nurses/Midwives in the last 3 years, employed 25 pharmacists, 196 products of CHS Nguru, employed 5 expatriate doctors, consultants on sabbatical and consultants on locum for 5 specialists and Yobe State University teaching Hospital.”
