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30 October 2020
In line with the transformation agenda of the primary healthcare system in Niger State, Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF) is providing technical support in improving its financial management (FM) systems, which aims to enhance accountability and sustainability of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the state. Besides, strengthening FM systems will ensure that the 274 focal PHCs in Niger State meet the basic minimum financial reporting requirements of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
To achieve the project’s objectives, a series of activities have been planned (and implemented) to set up effective mechanisms for monthly reporting of financial transactions from the PHC facilities to the SPHCDA. These activities include the development and distribution of FM tools, the establishment of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) compliant reporting systems, acquisition of laptops, and multiple training/capacity building sessions for key actors (SPHCDA focal persons, LGA PHC accountants, Health Facilities Officers-in-Charge, Deputy Officers-in-Charge, and Ward Health Development Committee) on the use of FM tools and financial reporting requirements.
The most recent training workshop was held from 15th September –3rd October 2020 and was jointly organized by the Niger SPHCDA and HSDF. Its overall objective was to build the participants’ capacity in preparing and submitting monthly financial reports to the SPHCDA. Participants at the workshop were from the SPHCDA’s finance unit and department of planning research and statistics. Data entry clerks and PHC department accountants from the 25 Local Government Areas of the State also participated.
The sessions helped participants to:
– Understand the use of financial management tools to record and document financial transactions at the focus facilities, thereby strengthening facilities’ income and expenditure tracking system.
– Acquire capacity for best financial management practices suitable for the health facilities and provide technical support, coaching, and mentoring to the OICs and WHDCs in their LGAs.
– Understand the management of facility drugs inventory using the Excel-based Drugs Stock management tool developed by HSDF, support the OICs with proper drugs inventory management practices and report on procurement and dispensing of drugs in the focus facilities monthly.
-Understand the use of the Excel-based PHC Account reporting systems developed by HSDF, posting financial transactions, and preparing monthly financial reports.
Evidence of increased knowledge among the participants was noted in the higher scores from the post-test over the pre-test scores. In addition, participants showed an improved understanding of the use of the Excel-based financial reporting system and the Drugs Stock management tool as judged by the improved expertise exhibited in the use of the tools for the workshop duration.
Having completed the training exercise, the Data Entry Clerks at the LGAs are expected to begin to prepare monthly financial reports of focus facilities under the BHCPF and report to the SPHCDA within a specified timeframe and using appropriate established channels. The SPHCDA focal persons will harmonize the reports and provide oversight to the LGAs and the facilities. This process is expected to gradually improve the PHC financial management systems, optimized through sustained technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring provided by the LGA PHC Department Accountants.
HSDF and the SPHCDA ensured that the COVID-19 guidelines, stipulated by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control were strictly adhered to. This includes the use of cleaning agents to regularly disinfect workshop venues, provision of handwashing points, distribution, and enforcement of the use of face masks and hand sanitizers by all participants and facilitators.
