Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA), with support from the USAID funded Integrated Health Program (IHP) has conducted a Town Hall Meeting in Azare, Katagum local government area of the state.
The meeting is aimed at increasing enrollment into the Health Contributory Scheme and enhancing quality of care to beneficiaries.
It is tagged ‘Providers and Community Forum’, witnessed participation of Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Civil Society Organisations, Religious and Community leaders, enrollees of the scheme among others.
In an address, the Executive Secretary of BASHCMA, Dr. Mansur Mustapha Dada said the forum provides an avenue for enrollees, community leaders and service providers to discuss issues around the scheme as it affects service delivery.
Speaking, the State Director for USAID IHP, Dr. Siaka Alhassa nsaid as stakeholders in the scheme’s implication, the participants’ voices can be heard at the highest level of Governance.
“This Forum provides such opportunities for you to share your experiences regarding the implementation of the scheme in your communities and health facilities. It also serves as a feedback mechanism aimed at improving the implementation of the scheme in Bauchi State”, said Dr. Siaka.
Dr Alhassan expressed concern that Bauchi state was lagging behind, giving the Formal and Informal Sector components were yet to witness full take off, despite the political will demonstrated by the State Governor.
The stakeholders made contributions on their concerns as regards to the scheme’s operations at the health facilities and challenges encountered at both community and facility level.
They commended BASHCMA and USAID funded IHP for the opportunity provided and expressed optimism that the development would be a recurring activity for them to say their minds on issues that directly affects them.
WDCs and Health Care Service Providers pledged to work together for improved service delivery and create more awareness on the minimum package that a PHC can offer in terms of services under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) component of the scheme.
Our correspondent reports that similar town hall meetings will take place in Misau and Bauchi LGAs in the subsequent days.
