The Federal Government has launched an innovative reform initiative that includes the national deployment of 774 Financial Management officers (PFMOS).
This movement to implement a PFMO by local government area throughout the country marks an important step to strengthen the responsibility, efficiency and provision of services within the Nigeria Primary Health System (PHC).
The historical initiative, launched on Tuesday in Abuja, was indicated by Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Agency for the Development of Primary Health Care (NPHCDA).
Aina said the deployment is aligned with the health transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the PFMOs would be fundamental to track performance data, support the dissemination of the community and guarantee the transparent and effective use of funds assigned through the Basic Fund for Health Provisions (BHCPF).
“This is not just a policy; it is an effort of transformation aimed at ensuring the future of medical care in Nigeria, where young people not only participate but also lead,” he said.
He noted that more than 60,700 health workers have been trained under current reforms, while PHC facilities are being revitalized with solar energy, modern equipment and improved infrastructure.
Although the physical launch was carried out in the northern center region, he said that the implementation is throughout the country, which covers the 36 states and the FCT.
He also said that the participation of traditional institutions reinforces the basic collaboration to promote medical care reforms.
Dr. Francis Ukwuije, economist of health of the World Health Organization (WHO), praised Nigeria's commitment to guarantee the value of money in health investments.
Ukwuije stressed five pillars to achieve value in medical care: equity, efficiency, effectiveness, ethics and dignity.
“The appointment of Pfmos is a commendable step. We must also emphasize the importance of ethics and dignity in the provision of attention, fundamental principles for the values ​​of who,” he said.
In addition, he requested a strong learning agenda to ensure that the lessons of the initiative are not only institutionalized in Nigeria but also shared worldwide.
Dr. Onoriode Ezire, a Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, obtained parallel between the new initiative and the previous state health investment project in Nishia (Nish), which was a pioneer in the financing of the direct facilities more than a decade ago.
“The PHC are often under -financed and poorly managed, not because health workers lack commitment, but because they are not trained as managers,” Ezire explained.
He emphasized the need for continuous technical assistance to empower health workers with skills in accounting, planning, leadership and data management to provide quality care.
The participants in the event shared first -hand experiences of the positive impact of the PFMO in their locations.
Mallam Mohammed Baba wins the state of Niger said the initiative is reconstructing confidence in the system.
“For the first time, we have eyes and ears dedicated to the field to ensure that the funds are spent where they matter most. With the support of PFMO, now we feel more secure by administering the finances of our facilities and we can focus more on the provision of attention,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Farida Mohammed of the state of Kogi reported visible improvements in her health center.
“Now we have more drugs, the staff is more receptive and there is always someone who ensures that things work properly.
“Before now, many of us fight with the budgets and reports. PFMO's training and support are closing that gap and help us better use the BHCPF funds,” he said.
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