
Enhancing Healthcare Access: Benue State held a 2023 3rd Quarter SOC Meeting
The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of the Hon. Commissioner, Dr. Ortese Yanmar, recently convened a significant State Oversight Committee (SOC) meeting in the Ministry's auditorium on the 28th of September, 2023. This crucial gathering brought together key stakeholders and decision-makers to discuss and address vital healthcare matters, primarily focusing on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) received from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NHPCDA).
Among the distinguished attendees were the Honourable Commissioner of Health, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Health Insurance Agency (BNSHIA), the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Development Board (BNSPHCB), representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, and directors of the Ministry. The Accountant General of the State, alongside the Director of Budget and the Ministry of Finance, also graced the occasion with their presence.
The SOC meeting was an opportune moment to review and deliberate on several critical healthcare-related issues. The committee's overarching goal was to ensure that the BHCPF, a vital resource for improving healthcare services in the state, is efficiently utilized to benefit the citizens of Benue State.
During the meeting, the SOC gave its stamp of approval to the revised Annual Operations Plan (AOP) of the BNSHIA. This endorsement reflects a collective commitment to enhancing the accessibility and quality of healthcare for the people of Benue State. The SOC recognized the pivotal role played by BNSHIA in managing health insurance in the state and encouraged them to intensify their monitoring efforts. It is crucial to ensure that the capitation funds sent to healthcare facilities are judiciously employed for their intended purpose.
Similarly, the Benue State Primary Health Care Development Board (BNSPHCB) received vital feedback from the SOC. The committee encouraged the BNSPHCB to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms to drive positive changes in the status of healthcare facilities within the state. The collective goal is to improve the quality of healthcare services available to all residents.
A significant milestone achieved during the meeting was the resolution to finalize the harmonization of monitoring activities between BNSHIA and BNSPHCB. This harmonization effort aims to streamline and coordinate monitoring activities effectively, ensuring that healthcare indicators are balanced and aligned with the goals and objectives of both agencies.
The recent State Oversight Committee meeting convened by the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, under the able leadership of Dr. Ortese Yanmar, demonstrates a resolute commitment to improving healthcare access and services in Benue State. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and health experts, are instrumental in achieving the state's healthcare goals. The SOC's endorsement of the revised AOP and its call for intensified monitoring activities signal a bright future for healthcare delivery in Benue State, ultimately benefiting its citizens and contributing to a healthier and more prosperous community.