FG approves ₦32.88bn for primary healthcare, expands Emergency Response Systems

The federal government has taken significant step in strengthening its healthcare system by approving ₦32.88 billion to sustain primary healthcare delivery nationwide under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

At the 14th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) held in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali mentioned that the government has also approved the expansion of direct facility financing to an additional 5,000 healthcare centres nationwide, which is expected to deepen grassroots access and improve service delivery, especially in underserved communities.

Professor Pate further revealed that the Federal Government’s free fistula programme has restored the health and dignity of more than 4,000 women, while plans are underway to introduce reimbursements for neonatal care to improve survival rates among newborns.

“We are seeing continued progress across multiple dimensions. More Nigerians are accessing services, maternal mortality is beginning to decline, and immunisation efforts are expanding significantly. There is widespread acknowledgment that making emergency obstetric care free is impacting lives directly, ensuring critical services are both accessible and affordable for thousands of Nigerian families,” he noted.

On his part, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the utilisation of BHCPF resources.

Dr. Salako maintained that the growing involvement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in monitoring healthcare delivery is strengthening oversight and ensuring that funds translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

“The inclusion of civil society is critical in tracking performance at the facility level and ensuring Nigerians receive value for investments in primary healthcare,” he explained.

While presenting the memorandum, Acting Secretary of the MOC Secretariat, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Bajoga, disclosed that the ₦32,88 allocation is aimed at sustaining service delivery across healthcare facilities, particularly at the primary care level.

Dr Abubakar Bajoga also added that the committee approved revised ambulance tariffs under the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) Gateway to strengthen emergency response systems and ensure sustainable financing of ambulance services nationwide.

“The revised tariffs are also expected to encourage broader participation from both public and private providers, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in emergency care delivery.”

Deliberations are also ongoing to integrate private sector players into the MOC framework, a move expected to unlock additional resources, innovation, and efficiency in healthcare delivery. A timeline for implementation has been set for the second quarter of 2026.

The meeting underscored a stronger shift toward data-driven planning, improved performance tracking, and enhanced coordination across BHCPF gateways. Officials stressed that transparency and accountability in fund utilization remain central to achieving better health outcomes.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were also recognized for their growing role in community engagement, awareness creation, and ensuring accountability at the grassroots level.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare, noting that reforms under BHCPF 2.0 are already driving measurable improvements across the sector.

Established under the National Health Act of 2014, the BHCPF remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare financing strategy, designed to ensure that even the most vulnerable populations can access essential health services without financial hardship.

Chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the high-level meeting brought together key government institutions, development partners, and stakeholders to review progress and set the direction for the next phase of reforms under BHCPF 2.0.