With some of the worst health indices in the world, Nigeria continues to suffer from systematic weaknesses that cripple the healthcare systems. Unfortunately, budget allocation to the health sector continues to decline, a trend supported by inadequate political will and commitment to health, changes in leadership; inadequate level of financial accountability; ineffective coordination among the three levels of government and the different cadres of healthcare workers.
Furthermore, Nigeria like many other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) experience poor financial planning which has been known to be a strong contributor to poor health outcomes. To address some of these issues, the country introduced development of Annual Operating Plan (AOP) to all its states. Despite this effort, most states still face challenges in healthcare interventions due to limited budgetary allocation and investments in health.
HSCL with funding from the Global Fund and support of Management Systems for Health (MSH) began the implementation of the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) Project; this is focused on improving health systems in 3 prioritized states including Imo, Kaduna, and Oyo. Through this project HSCL was part of the Catalytic Investment Program and thus was able to review and analyse gaps identified. This was followed by the design and establishment of the Health Sector Planning Cells aimed at addressing besetting health planning and budgeting needs in Oyo State.
Establishing the Health Sector Planning Cell
The State Ministry of Health, under the technical lead
of HSCL, established a health sector planning cell to drive the health planning and budgeting process. While core members of this team were drawn from the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS) and Department of Finance & Account (DFA), there were also representatives from other departments and associated agencies and parastatals in Oyo state. As proven in Jigawa and Enugu states, a blend of staff facilitates effective planning and budgeting processing.
Oyo State Budgetary Process Highlighting Role for Health Sector Planning Cell
Other substantive approaches were applied by HSCL to strengthening planning and budgeting processes. HSCL developed a Terms of Reference to provide guidance for the Health Sector Planning Cell and improve accountability and health sector budget process in the state.
Aligning health priorities and developing a robust health budget is crucial for developing a detailed costs of health sector needs and effective resource allocations. This alignment is however shaped by stakeholder dialogue and collaboration between all health planners and managers.
