Cross River Seeks Fast Access To FG’s Basic Health Fund

Agency Report

The Cross River State government is seeking the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks to enable the current administration access the basic health care provision fund.

The fund is a constitutional provision which requires that one percent of the consolidated revenue is set aside for basic health care.

And, the Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Betta Edu recently, while assuming office as the chairman of the steering committee said there were some bottlenecks that have prevented Cross River from accessing the fund.

“It is expedient for the federal government through the federal ministry of health to immediately remove all bottlenecks and release basic health care provision funds to States to boost their health system as contained in 2014 health act,” a statement issued by the health ministry on Sunday quoted her as saying.

Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours

She said that this was vital for, “the health sector in Nigeria to experience that big shift and the much needed revolution.”

Edu sought synergy from all members of the steering committee and pledged to work assiduously to deliver on the mandate of the ministry.

Only two States have been able to access the fund so far a year after it was “launched by President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement read.

The state steering committee is responsible for the fund’s management. And, the immediate past chairman and permanent secretary in the ministry of health, Dr. Joseph Bassey said staff training and facilities baseline assessment were the processes left to be completed in order for Cross River to access its share.

Short Link:

Since You Are Here, Support Good Journalism

CrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy.

Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialisation.

Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor.