The federal government and experts Sunday called for optimal domestic resource mobilization to fast-track the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC) in the country.
They made the call during the maiden edition of the health systems emerging solutions forum, organized by Development Governance International Consult Ltd (DGI Consult) in Abuja.
Managing Partner, DGI Consult, Dr Gafar Alawode, said resource optimization is an essential ingredient for a successful resource mobilization campaign, adding that raising more funds for health may remain a mirage if the widely held view that the health sector actors are poor managers of resources is not changed.
He said, “Mobilization and utilization of resources are two sides of a health financing coin; however, emphasis is placed on the former at the expense of the latter. Showcasing resource optimization-enabling interventions couldn’t be more relevant than now as the fiscal space for government spending on health has narrowed significantly.”
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He said there was a need to leverage technology and generate data at national, sub-national and facility levels as well as effectively use the data to ensure optimal performance.
The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the two visions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, provide mandatory health insurance and a Vulnerable Group Fund as critical requirements for universal health coverage.
He said the agency is however concerned about mobilizing the resources they require as well as optimizing those resources to get value of more health for the money.
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