The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health yesterday received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services led by Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji (MHR), who were in the state on an oversight visit to review the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) programmes.
The BHCPF, a key component of Nigeria’s National Health Act, aims to ensure access to quality, basic, and affordable healthcare services for all Nigerians, especially those in underserved and rural communities.
Welcoming the National Assembly members, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Birisrbe, appreciated the committee for its visit and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and improved healthcare delivery in the state. He emphasized that Governor Douye Diri’s administration remains steadfast in prioritizing access to quality health services for Bayelsans, particularly in remote areas.
According to Prof. Birisrbe, “We are committed to ensuring that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund is efficiently utilized to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to medical services, and achieve Universal Health Coverage in Bayelsa State.”
The visit formed part of the legislature’s mandate to assess the utilization, releases, and performance of BHCPF-related projects, ensuring that the funds are properly managed and effectively implemented.
During their tour, the committee members commended Bayelsa State’s progress in healthcare development under Governor Douye Diri’s leadership. They visited several primary healthcare facilities across the state, noting improvements in infrastructure and service delivery.
The Commissioner was joined by top officials of the Ministry of Health, including Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Jones Stow, Dr. Williams Appah, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ingowari Torunana, and other senior health administrators.
