Bauchi Gov’t Commended Over Health Budget Allocation

By Murtala Muhammad

In Bauchi State, a Civil Society Organization, Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative, J4PD has commended the State Government for allocating fifteen point eight percent of its 2023 proposed budget to the health sector.

A statement by the J4PD Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor, Bashir Hassan Abubakar, made available to journalists in Bauchi, says that the three percent allocation to the health components of the State Environmental Protection Agency, BASEPA, RUWASA and Nutrition provide the much needed outcome especially in providing health services at the primary health care level.

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The statement says the giant stride was inline with the Abuja declaration of the budgetary allocation to the health sector, it also appeals for timely releases of funds, when it is eventually signed into law.

It notes that the state government has been consistent in conforming with the Abuja declaration of allocating fifteen percent to the sector, describing the move as commendable.

According to the statement, the Coordinator of J4PD, Elizabeth Nange Kah, however expressed concern that at the end of the year, the health budget performance leaves huge potholes due to inadequate releases of funds appropriated.

Kah appealed to the government to improve on budget releases to enable relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to carry out programmes and activities designed to strengthen its health care systems.

It also commends the recent development achieved by the government, in sincere show of political will in its health insurance drive.

The statement notes that the act would pave the way towards achieving Universal Health Coverage that is being championed globally and urges the state not to relent in its efforts in addressing the manpower gap in the health sector.