Stakeholders urge Pate to educate citizens on health fund access, utilisation

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called on the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, to educate citizens on their rights to know about the utilisation of billions of naira allocated to over 8,000 health facilities across the country.

Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim, Director of Andiwa Farmers Association, stated this in Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

He expressed concern that rural people, peasant farmers, and vulnerable communities are not aware of how to access healthcare facilities and the amount of money allocated to them.

The group commended BudgIT, a civic tech organisation, for seeking information on the utilisation of the funds under the Freedom of Information Act.

They urged the Minister to allow independent monitoring of the funds and equip hospitals with the necessary equipment.

Dr. Yahaya said the ministry’s silence on BudgIT’s request is against the rule of law and urged the Minister to explain the utilisation of the funds to Nigerians.

The federal government has vowed to track all monies released for the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in its new 2.0 Guidelines, aiming to improve healthcare delivery, enhance governance, and ensure transparency and accountability in health fund management.

Dr. Yahaya stressed that since the ministry is a product of law, including the Minister, it is necessary for the ministry to explain within seven days, not only to BudgIT but to Nigerians, the utilisation of the funds.

The stakeholders, while expressing worry about the ministry’s silence on the request, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who they described as a democrat that respects the rule of law.