In 2019, the Kano State Primary Health Care Board took a proactive step in improving healthcare access for its citizens. They constituted a Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team (MSP MT), entrusted with the crucial task of monitoring and tracking MSP implementation. Their mission included mobilizing and coordinating resources from government, partners, philanthropists, and community volunteers, all aimed at aligning efforts towards MSP implementation.
Fifty Primary Health Centers (PHCs) were carefully chosen to pilot the Kano Minimum Service Package (MSP) program, and their journey yielded remarkable achievements. The MSP MT engaged tirelessly with the staff of these facilities, community support structures, and various stakeholders at all levels to ensure these healthcare centers functioned optimally.
Health facility engagement visits were carried out, accompanied by the development of improvement plans and costings in alignment with the BHCPF quality improvement plan. Moreover, sources of funding for each facility were identified to support MSP implementation. Monthly facility revisits and regular night shift visits became routine, all in pursuit of the noble goal: ensuring at least one functional health facility per ward and enhancing access to quality healthcare services.
Recognizing the need to expand the MSP program’s reach, the Kano State Primary Health Care Board made the decision to increase the number of MSP facilities to one hundred in the current year. To achieve this, decentralizing the MSP monitoring structure became essential for efficient tracking, resource mobilization, coordination, and oversight functions.
In light of these objectives, MSP monitoring team members were carefully selected from across all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, based on predefined criteria.
With invaluable support from UNICEF and technical expertise provided by CHAI, a comprehensive two-day orientation meeting was conducted for 132 LGA MSP monitoring team members. These teams are now poised to play a pivotal role in providing oversight functions, aligning resources, and closely monitoring and tracking MSP operationalization at the facility level.
Conclusion:
The expansion of the Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team and the continued commitment of the Kano State Primary Health Care Board demonstrate a strong dedication to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the people of Kano. The remarkable progress achieved thus far serves as a testament to the power of effective collaboration, resource mobilization, and tireless effort in pursuit of better health outcomes for all.
As we move forward with our expanded team and renewed vigor, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that every community in Kano has access to quality healthcare services through functional health facilities. The journey continues, and together, we will achieve even greater milestones in the realm of public health.
Malam Idris Nuhu is the Program Manager Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team Under Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board
