By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to build a more sustainable and self-reliant healthcare financing system through domestic resource mobilisation and expanded private sector participation in health service delivery.
This was the focus of a strategic meeting of the Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) and Sustainability Technical Working Group held at the weekend in the Ministry of Health and Human Services Conference Hall in Makurdi.
The meeting brought together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, private sector representatives, faith-based organisations and other health stakeholders to explore new funding approaches for the state’s healthcare system.
The initiative forms part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at strengthening service delivery, improving access to quality healthcare, and reducing dependence on external donor funding.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services formally opened the session with a call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address gaps in health financing.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system driven by innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms.
He noted that changing global aid patterns make it necessary for sub-national governments to adopt stronger domestic financing strategies that guarantee continuity of essential health services.
The Commissioner stressed that domestic resource mobilisation remains central to achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
A key part of the meeting was the review of previous resolutions of the Technical Working Group and the presentation of the draft Benue State Domestic Resource Mobilisation Plan.
The draft document, presented by officials of the Ministry of Health, the Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), and development partners, outlined strategies for increasing local investment in healthcare and improving accountability in health financing.
Stakeholders carefully reviewed the framework and made recommendations aimed at strengthening government commitment, improving transparency, and expanding funding opportunities for the health sector.
The meeting also featured discussions on private sector involvement in healthcare financing, with emphasis on corporate social responsibility, direct investments, and public-private partnerships.
Representatives from the organised private sector identified potential areas of collaboration, including healthcare infrastructure development, medical equipment support, workforce development, and service delivery improvements.
While participants further explored partnerships with banks, telecommunications companies, manufacturing firms, and faith-based organizations as key drivers of sustainable health financing.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders developed clear action points with defined responsibilities and timelines to guide implementation of the Domestic Resource Mobilisation agenda.
