FG approves ₦32bn to address healthcare gaps

The Federal Government has allocated ₦32 billion from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to bridge gaps in healthcare services, including funding for primary healthcare and essential commodities for tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.

Speaking at the 10th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting for the BHCPF in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, stated that the funds would strengthen over 8,000 primary healthcare centres, improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations, and enhance disease outbreak control measures across the country.

According to the Minister, the funds will be distributed through key agencies, including the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

“These funds will be channelled through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is a crucial component of the country’s healthcare financing system,” Professor Pate explained.

“The BHCPF aims to provide essential healthcare services to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly.”

He acknowledged challenges at the sub-national level, particularly in opening accounts and securing signatories for the State Treasury Single Account, which would enable the NCDC gateway to access funds.

Professor Pate assured that the government is actively working to ensure seamless access to funds and to remove obstacles hindering the full utilisation of resources.

“The government is committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of resources to primary healthcare centres, which are now performing better than non-BHCPF facilities,” he added.

The 10th MOC meeting was convened to review healthcare financing mechanisms in Nigeria and to develop strategies for improving the efficiency and sustainability of health sector investments.