Writing By Khadijah Aliyu, Editing By Godwin Duru
Tracking and implementation of the basic healthcare provision fund BHCPF has been described as a major catalyst to quality healthcare delivery.
This was part of resolutions at the end of a two-day workshop for ward committee chairmen WDC from five local government areas in Kano state.
The capacity building was organized by the Kano state-led accountability mechanism (KanSLAM) in collaboration with a Non-governmental organization NGO, Pathfinder International.
The training focuses attention on the basic healthcare provision fund BHCPF tracking and implementation for improvement of women’s health in Kano state.
Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen Musa Umar Faruk, WDC Kaura Goje Ward Nasarawa LGA, and Ashiru Liman Dankunkuru WDC chairman Gayawa ward Ungogo LGA, described the training as apt.
They pointed out that it has served as an eye-opener that will motivate them to discharge their duties as WDC chairmen.
“We have realized that tracking to ensure implementation will go a long way in yielding positive results”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state team lead Pathfinder International Kano, Gombe Ibrahim noted that the NGO advocates for primary health care as the route to universal health coverage and for its inclusion in all health policies.
He highlighted that, Pathfinder International is working with KanSLAM to develop the healthcare system through training and retraining of WDC chairmen to reduce maternal mortality.
The chairperson KanSLAM knowledge committee Hajiya Nafisa Murtala Ahmed explained that the objectives of the workshop is to enable participants to understand the BHCPF framework, use the check list for tracking, and strengthen community advocacy and communication skills.
“Others are monitoring and ensuring proper utilization of BHCPF funds as well as develop actionable plans for committee keep monitoring”.
The WDC state coordinator Kano state Primary Healthcare Management Board KSPHCMB Ado Jibril highlighted that the WDC is a structure from the grassroots that oversees the activities of state and, federal government as well as partners.
He noted that, the capacity building will add more confidence to the activities of the WDCs through interpersonal communication.
“Each WDC will go back to his community to put the knowledge gained into practice”
Presenting a paper, the consultant Associate Professor Auwal Halilu enumerated the importance of advocacy in healthcare to include improved access to services, promoting transparency and accountability, and empowering communities.
He identified roles of WDC such as engaging with policymakers and health officials, presenting evidence-based reports, participating in budget planning meetings, and collaborating with traditional and religious leaders.
“Key challenges in advocacy for BHCPF implementation include resistance from stakeholders, bureaucratic delay, lack of data and evidence-based advocacy”
KHADIJAH ALIYU
