By Steve Oni, Ilorin
A World Bank Official, Dr. Khama Rogo, has observed that Africa has the largest burden of diseases in the world, and the lowest in accessible healthcare delivery to its citizenry.
Dr Rogo who is the Lead Health Specialist in Africa, World Bank Group, made this observation on Monday when he led officials of World Bank and Pharm Access on a courtesy call on the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed at Government House, Ilorin.
Dr Rogo attributed the current state of health in Africa to inadequate finances compared to its rapidly growing population and poverty level.
The Health Specialist who identified health financing as the most important intervention in the health sector anywhere in the world, however, commended the Kwara state government for its plan to make the Community Health Insurance Scheme a statewide programme in line with the Universal Health Coverage.
Dr Rogo expressed readiness of his group in supporting the state government in providing affordable and accessible healthcare delivery to the people of the state.
In his response, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed disclosed that the state would soon establish an agency to manage and finance its health insurance scheme on a sustainable platform, adding that the agency would be supported with personnel to drive the concept of financing healthcare in the state.
Ahmed explained that the Community Health Insurance Scheme would draw support from private sector and create strong sense of trust in managing the scheme.
He said: “One of the most critical issues of productivity is health, and it is imperative to deploy resources for improved productivity. As we begin 2018 budgetary process, special attention will be given to health sector to complement what is being done in the Community Health Insurance Scheme.”
Governor Ahmed said arrangements were in top gear to link the scheme with Kwara Resident Identification Card with a view to making the state plan adequately for health service delivery and makes the state second to none in healthcare delivery in the country.
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