The Bauchi State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says it will introduce a biometric attendance system across public health facilities to improve service delivery and tackle absenteeism among health workers.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, disclosed this while receiving members of the Advocacy for the Implementation of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Innovations in Nigeria, who presented community feedback on healthcare challenges.
Dambam said the biometric system would enable real-time monitoring of health workers’ presence and activities, addressing persistent absenteeism and late resumption of duty—factors he noted contribute to long patient waiting times.
He explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce delays in accessing care, particularly for pregnant women during labour and childbirth.
The commissioner, however, noted that some delays—such as late decision to seek care and challenges in reaching health facilities—remain beyond the control of providers. He urged caregivers to take greater responsibility by planning, stressing that the government alone cannot solve all healthcare gaps.
Dambam added that the state government continues to prioritise the health sector, with focus on maternal, newborn and child health, as well as nutrition. He revealed that a special welfare package has been approved for health workers to boost morale, attract professionals, and address manpower shortages.
Earlier, the leader of the Advocacy Champions, Shamsiyya Bala Aliyu, outlined key concerns from communities and traditional leaders, including a shortage of skilled personnel, referral delays, and attitudes of some health workers.
She said the group is seeking stronger collaboration with the ministry to scale awareness on postpartum haemorrhage and promote early antenatal registration, facility-based delivery, and postnatal care.
Aliyu added that the advocacy aims to drive policy engagement and integration of MNCH innovations into the healthcare system.
The project is being implemented by the AIM-MNCH Consortium, comprising Pathfinder International Nigeria, the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
