Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) have been recognized as instrumental to the success of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) implementation across Rivers State.
This recognition was highlighted by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, during the second quarter meeting of the BHCPF Gateway Forum held in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Agala noted that while MOHs are not statutory members of the Gateway Forum, their contributions at the grassroots level, particularly in overseeing primary health care, have been critical in driving the objectives of the fund.
She stated that their inclusion in the meeting was a testament to the essential role they play in ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services at the local government level.
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During the meeting, some MOHs shared insights on how to strengthen the effective utilization of the BHCPF, stressing the importance of their involvement in all stages of the fund’s disbursement and execution.
They expressed confidence that with their participation, the funds would be better managed and aligned with the intended healthcare delivery goals.
Chairman of the Medical Officers of Health in Rivers State, Dr. Keke Rammyson, proposed the appointment of an MOH representative in the newly established BHCPF Gateway Coordination Secretariat.
According to him, this would enhance the dissemination and implementation of policy decisions across all 23 local government areas in the state.
The forum brought together leaders of the four BHCPF gateways and other stakeholders in the health sector, including representatives from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), to assess progress and strategize for improved healthcare delivery under the fund.
