YSCHMA Reviews Health Financing Accountability Framework, Integrity Plan

In a strategic move to strengthen health system governance and enhance access to quality healthcare, the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), in collaboration with Lafiya-UK, has organised a three-day workshop on reviewing its Health Financing Accountability Framework and Integrity Plan.

The workshop, held last week at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI) in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, was the first comprehensive review of the framework since the agency’s establishment five years ago.

A statement issued by the agency’s Information Officer, Suleiman Gambo Bakoro, said the executive secretary of YSCHMA, Dr Babagana Tijjan, while declaring the workshop open, underscored the importance of periodic reviews in driving institutional effectiveness and attracting development partners.

“We are here in Dutse to review our accountability framework and integrity plan to ensure alignment with present realities and future expectations. This process not only strengthens our internal operations but also positions us to better engage with donor agencies,” Dr Tijjani said.

He noted that the revised framework would promote transparency, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sound purchasing of healthcare services as key elements in advancing toward universal health coverage (UHC) in Yobe State by 2030.

The review also reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s policy thrust on financial integrity and value for money in healthcare delivery. Dr Tijjani reiterated that the agency’s strategic direction is in sync with the broader health policy agenda of the Buni-led administration.

In a technical presentation, the director of planning, research and statistics, Gambo Mohammed Gana, highlighted the workshop’s core objectives, including validating the existing accountability framework, evaluating the integrity plan’s impact on ethical practices, and introducing enhanced accountability principles in health financing.

She said participants will also assess implementation milestones, update performance indicators, and build consensus on improved accountability mechanisms within the health financing ecosystem.

In goodwill messages, representatives from the Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services, the State Primary Healthcare Board, the Hospitals Management Board, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and Lafiya-UK applauded YSCHMA’s remarkable progress and pledged continued support for the mission.

The stakeholders described YSCHMA as one of the fastest-growing contributory healthcare agencies in Nigeria, praising Dr. Tijjani for his visionary leadership and commitment to the state’s health sector transformation agenda.