The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved an upward review of the monthly healthcare capitation payments to healthcare facilities, increasing the amount from N500 to N750 per patient.
This increase, aimed at improving healthcare services across the state, now stands as the highest capitation paid by any state health insurance agency in northern Nigeria compared to neighboring states.
This development was announced by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, during the 6th GoHealth Provider Forum on Friday, where various stakeholders in the healthcare sector gathered to discuss improvements and challenges in the state’s health system.
In addition to the increase in capitation, the state government has revised the drug price list upwards by 30%, to account for the rising inflation affecting the cost of pharmaceuticals.
Despite this, the tariffs for professional services in healthcare facilities will remain unchanged, ensuring that the rising cost of medical care does not overburden patients.
This move is expected to boost the revenue of healthcare providers in the state significantly.
The collaboration between the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme (GoHealth) and the State Drug Management Agency (GODMA) is anticipated to provide considerable financial relief to healthcare providers.
The arrangement includes waivers and discounts on drug purchases for GoHealth-accredited healthcare facilities, enhancing their profit margins.
Dr. Abubakar Musa, the Team Lead of GoHealth, explained that prior to this revision, healthcare facilities were incurring losses, with each drug dispensed to GoHealth patients resulting in a loss of N1.
However, with the new review, these facilities are projected to enjoy a 20% profit margin when compared to GODMA’s sales prices.
He emphasized, “We have surpassed the GODMA sales price by 20%. The price we are offering now is higher than what they initially proposed for you to sell.” Dr. Abubakar also urged healthcare facilities to step up their service delivery efforts, stressing that higher funding brings higher expectations.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, also urged facility managers to purchase their drugs exclusively from GODMA to ensure better value for money and to maintain quality standards.
He warned that patients are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and may take legal action against hospitals that provide substandard medical care.
He further cautioned that the state government would not hesitate to revoke licenses and prosecute healthcare providers who fail to meet the required standards of care.
The state is committed to ensuring that all patients receive the best medical care possible, and any lapses in service will be met with strict consequences, as highlighted in a statement by Dairus Samson, the Public Relations Officer of GoHealth.
Additionally, in response to recent protests, Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ciroma, who visited Gombe for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
The Governor reassured citizens that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that healthcare reforms benefit everyone in the state.
