Baskadia

Universal health coverage for all.

• *_Attends inauguration of Technical Working Group Group (TWG) At the Ministry of Health Headquarters, Calabar_*.

Chairman, House Committee on Health and Chief Whip of the Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong, has called for collective responsibility for improved financing and funding of the healthcare system in the State. He was speaking at a stakeholders meeting and Inauguration of the Healthcare Financing Equity & Investment (HCFE&I) Technical Working Group, TWG.

While expressing his interest in the wellbeing of the citizens, Rt. Hon. Hilary said that "Health is Everything" and must be accessible to all. He noted that in a bid to ameliorate the health plights of those truly in need, several policies and legislative instruments have been put in place, and efforts would be be geared towards improvement and amendment where necessary.

"For every health policy to be effective, there have be a legislation. For the ones we have enacted, we need to know how far and well implemented so that we can amend if it is important to do so for optimal performance.

"When we talk about Health Financial, government must be deliberate. One of the sources of health financing is public funding. It is the government's initiative and presence with adequate funds availability that will encourage partners to come, and it must be done in a transparent, accountable manner and must be accessible."

Rt. Hon. further called on donor agencies, especially those operating in the North East, to come and help to ameliorate the overstretched facilities used by refugees who already have acculturated in communities other than the camps. He also said that the budget for health needs a top-level engagement to raise funding for the health sector, which, according to statistics available, is underfunded. As regards the universal standard of 15% budget funding for health, he said that such milestone can be achieved through a gradually increment, beginning with at least 5% in 2024 state budget as against the 1.27% in the 2023 revised budget.

In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr *Egbe Ayuk* commended the efforts of government and the assembly, noting that there is a widening gap between policy, legislation, and implementation.

On Health Insurance, the commissioner said that although institution driven, advocated that it be be service driven ratter than being profit driven.

He proceeded to inaugurate the TWG and charged them to be steadfast and committed to their responsibilities given them. Dr Ayuk also commended partners and donors for their steady commitment to the health needs of the people, especially in the rural communities.

In her response, Chairperson of the TWG and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Mrs *Paulina Obute* , appreciated and pledged the loyalty of its members to the authorities.

"I want to thank the ministry of health for giving us this opportunity to serve. Myself, Team members will do our best to deliver. I also want to lend my voice and call for funding adequate financing while urging private and individual funding for profit sharing.

While enumerating the challenges of Healthcare Delivery, Desk Officer Healthcare Financing System, Mrs Eteng, listed the upheavals to include infrastructure; accessibility, lack of data, workforce shortage and low budgeting. She also called for improved ppp and continued support from partners.

Statistician General called on State Ministry of Health to oversee State Healthcare Insurance scheme.

The meeting was attended by partners and stakeholders in the healthcare system such as the Society for Family Health, Red Cross, State Bureau of Statistics, Budget Office, NMA, BITAN among others.

Published by : ETTAH EMMANUEL O.