On Friday, October 11, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria called on health agencies and teaching hospitals to focus on key health priorities in their 2025 budget proposals.
The ministry emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, better access to essential care, and effective disease prevention and control.
During a stakeholders’ workshop on the performance of the 2024 budget and preparation for the 2025 budget, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom stressed that aligning projects with government health priorities is vital for achieving the country’s health sector vision.
“This workshop is a crucial opportunity for us to align strategy with effective budgeting to fulfill our health sector mandate,” Kachollom said. He highlighted the importance of effective budget allocation, urging agencies to focus on projects that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kachollom added, “It is imperative that we manage costs diligently, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that deliver value for money.” He emphasized the need for agencies to scrutinize and justify their proposed projects for resource allocation.
The two-day workshop, which began on Wednesday in Abuja, is designed to prepare health agencies and teaching hospitals for their capital budget allocation for 2025. Kachollom reiterated the significance of concentrating on projects that support government priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP) for 2021-2025.
Bakre Modupe, the ministry’s Director of Finance and Account, also underscored the importance of proper budgeting in improving the health system. She noted that budgeting allows for effective planning and resource allocation to programs and projects.
“The purpose of this meeting is to assess the ministry’s performance in the health sector for 2024 and to strategize for future improvements,” Modupe said. She encouraged participants to work collaboratively towards enhancing the country’s health indices and overall system, acknowledging that while there is room for growth, progress is being made.
