CRC develops auditing framework for BHCPF in Anambra
By Chinedum Treasure
Civil Rights Concern (CRC) has developed a framework for auditing the utilization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Anambra state.
The framework development involved stakeholders in the finance sector and other representatives from Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Nnewi, the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Civil Society Organizations.
Speaking during a one-day engagement in Awka, Executive Director, Okey Onyeka said the framework development was informed by complaints relating to access to services in basic healthcare despite support of the fund in various health facilities.
According to him, regular engagements of stakeholders on management of BHCPF has become necessary, especially in view of uncomfortable disposition of some implementers while the funds were being interrogated.
"Sometimes, they don't understand why we're interested in this fund. But the provision guidelines guarantees regular discussion around it.
"We're also here to discuss the draft framework and agree on the scope of the audit and reporting schedules.
"We'll be reviewing the last audit report and the issues raised in the provision of services and the framework for reporting on them so as to keep an eye on them for improvement."
Onyeka added, "There has been many complaints about access to services in basic healthcare even with the support of the fund in supported facilities.
"Many are not using the facilities because of challenges in standards of physical infrastructure, drugs availability and pricing, water, toilets, number of personnel available and their capacity to deliver services, and morale of the working staff, among others.
"Some of the PHCs and other health facilities which are supposed to busy places are more of ghost centers as a result of low patronage.
"While some people in the area are unaware of their existence, those aware don't make demands for these health care services as a result of ignorance.
"Besides, some of the WDCs are not properly trained to manage these facilities while the community leaders are ignorant of their responsibilities.
"So, we brought stakeholders to appreciate the reason for setting up the fund, the manner at which they're being used and challenges in accessing the fund so they can key in within their various formations.
"The audit by the Office of the State Auditor General would help in bridging the gaps on information between what the programme implementers are giving and the facility users are providing.
"Based on the experience of the auditors a framework will be developed and agreed to by the Stakeholders in the State on how, when and reporting on the audit of the fund in the State.
"The report of the first audit largely focused on performance in the use of the fund is currently with the State Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly for review and publishing on the State website.
