Evaluating the Mechanism of Direct Health Facility Funding in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Plateau State: Suggestions and Recommendations

Abstract

The study aimed at providing suggestions and recommendations on how to improve the implementation of the Direct Health Facility Funding in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Plateau State. The population for this study therefore was made up of 974 healthcare centres in Plateau State, out of which 851 are primary health care centres with a population of 1702 administrators and 25,111 staff. Through the ballot system, a sample of 265 administrators and 377 staff were selected, giving a total sample size of 642 respondents. The results from the qualitative and quantitative analysis both revealed that there is a need to ensure prompt disbursement of funds, adequate training for staff on Direct Health Facility Funding administration and strict supervision of how funds are utilized in the primary healthcare facilities. Phasing out of the current fund disbursement modality and replacement with a more dependable and effective mechanism is recommended. Accordingly, for purposes of ensuring proper usage by facility management committees and medical staff, the Ministry of Health should provide primary healthcare facilities policy instructions on how to handle government health funding. This can be done by setting up a monitoring committee of management staff of primary health facilities, community leaders and staff of the ministry of health. In addition, more training should be provided to administrators of primary health facilities to equip them adequately on Direct Health Facility Funding Administration.