By: Eneji Simon Ushie.
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed it’s commitment towards the full implementation of Health Policies such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Health Insurance policies that will ensure sustainable Health Financing.
The Basic Healthcare Provision fund program and the Health Insurance Scheme, is estimated to target population of one million and 3 million beneficiaries respectively across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong stated this in Calabar during a courtesy visit by a team from state health insurance scheme and National Health Insurance Scheme who visited to ascertain the level of preparedness of the agency in the implementation of the scheme particularly in the area of facility infrastructure readiness and manpower availability.
Dr. Ekpenyong, noted that the state government through the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency have trained health care providers to ensure that optimal services are provided under the best conditions at all times towards the full implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision fund policy and other health policies that will push the state towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.
She noted that the programme which seeks to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is expected to offer services to the vulnerable class which includes pregnant women , children under five , low income earners as well as the aged free of charge.
She said, facility upgrade and renovation are currently ongoing across the state as well as the recruitment of health workers to match client-health workers ratio as recommended for the basic health care provision fund policy implementation and world health organization.
The Director General also reiterated that the state have put in place strict measures and mechanisms to ensure accountability all through the process.
Speaking during the visit, the team lead Dr David Ushie noted that, with reports already compiled by independent Enumerators, the state government have shown readiness to implement the program in the state.
He stated that, with the collaboration between the state Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and State Health Insurance Agency, the targeted population will be met and Effective services offered at all times.
The Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme and the Basic Healthcare Provision fund program is expected to be powered by the introduction of an advanced technology at all levels with the constitution of Different modules which includes: Enrollment module, Accounting module, Reporting module, Help Desk and Claims module will be introduced to aid fast-tracking, Effective and efficient implementation of the project.
Also present in the meeting were the Director of Administration CRSHIA, Mrs Beatrice Akonjom, the BHCPF focal person Mrs Ekaete Ekpenyong , Director of finance SHIA Dr John and other Staff of the SHIA and the CRSPHCDA.
