By Khalid Idris Doya
Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, to ensure greater transparency and public education on the utilisation of N32.9 billion released under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for over 8,000 health facilities nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders in Azare, headquarters of Katagum local government area yesterday, the director of Andiwa Farmers Association, Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim, said many poor and rural Nigerians remain unaware that such funds exist to support their healthcare needs.
"Most of our people, especially in rural communities, are not aware that money has been allocated for their healthcare. Many are illiterate and do not even know the facilities where such funds are kept. The Ministry of Health must educate citizens on their rights and ensure that this money truly reaches the beneficiaries," he said.
Dr. Ibrahim referenced a letter circulating on social media from the civic tech organisation BudgIT Foundation, which invoked the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to request details from the Ministry of Health about the disbursement of the N32.9 billion fund.
He lamented that despite the FOI request being submitted several weeks ago, the Ministry had yet to respond, "That silence is against the rule of law. The same law that created the Ministry also mandates it to respond within seven days. Nigerians have a right to know how these funds are utilised. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who respects the rule of law, and I believe he would support full transparency,"Yahaya added.
He praised BudgIT and its community-tracking platform, Tracka, for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. According to him, BudgIT's request sought details of all benefiting facilities, their locations, and the amount allocated to each one.
Dr. Yahaya further called on BudgIT to expand its investigation to include donations and grants from private and international partners such as the Dangote Foundation, TY Danjuma Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Carter Foundation, among others.
"These funds are often shrouded in secrecy. Nigerians deserve to know how much has been donated and how the funds are used," he said.
While commending the Health Minister’s move to establish an Oversight Committee and BHCPF Secretariat to work with the ICPC, Dr. Yahaya advised that independent civil society groups like BudgIT should lead the monitoring process.
"It's good that the Minister has initiated an oversight mechanism, but neutrality is key. A non-governmental organisation should track the funds on behalf of ordinary Nigerians. Also, choosing Bauchi, the Minister's home state to launch the exercise raises questions about impartiality," he noted.
Yahaya also appealed for improved hospital infrastructure and better service delivery, citing his personal experience with delays at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, due to inadequate medical equipment.
"Our hospitals need radiology and diagnostic equipment. Patients suffer because basic facilities are lacking. Some staff also need closer supervision to ensure discipline and better service delivery," he said.
He urged Nigerians to overcome fear and speak up when they observe irregularities in public healthcare services, "People must show interest in their rights and not be afraid to demand accountability. When citizens speak out, the system improves," he noted.
Meanwhile, the federal government has reiterated its commitment to tracking all funds released for the implementation of the BHCPF under its new 2.0 Guidelines.
According to Dr. Oreshoremi Ogbe, Secretary of the Ministerial Oversight Committee, the new framework aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of primary healthcare services to the most vulnerable Nigerians.
He said the updated guidelines would ensure that resources are properly managed and that health financing governance is improved at both federal and state levels.
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