The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N25 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to bolster healthcare infrastructure in states.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, at the sixth meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee in Abuja.
The Minister in a statement by Patricia Deworitshe, Director information, Federal Ministry of Health, made available to the press on Sunday, said the health transformation, renewal and accessibility would be achieved with the approval of a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Program (NHSRIP).
He added that, deliberating on the advancing of Nigeria’s primary healthcare delivery through SWAp, the assessment revealed the need for reforms in the Basic Healthcare
Provision Fund (BHCPF) its programmes, operations, fiduciary system of accountability
and public trust adding that all states and Federal Capital Territory have committed to a
remediation plan, pledging to improve health services for Nigerians.
“Recognising the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer guidelines, the
Ministry and its development partners are committed to making healthcare services accessible to Nigerian women, children and for all citizens, especially those in the
vulnerable groups”
“The goal, in line with NHSRIP is to reduce the necessity for patients to travel long
distances for care thereby qualitatively and equitably improving the overall health and wellbeing of Nigerians”, he asserted.
Pate further stated that the guidelines will be revised to cover health services rendered to the indigent population while aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, out- of- pocket
payments and standardised quality of healthcare across primary healthcare facilities.
He assured that for NPHCDA gateway, the revision will include measures to address inequalities, provide additional resources for state supervision, support frontline
workers, ensure availability of drugs and commodities at over 8,500 Primary Healthcare Centers across Nigeria and strengthen financial management, transparency and
accountability
The Minister called on Nigerians to monitor the use of BHCPF resources through dedicated communication channels including an official email:
bhcpfalert@health.gov.ng and phone lines on the Ministry’s website to actively participate in monitoring fund implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the State Health Commissioners, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani stated that “we are committed to ensuring
that every Nigerian has access to good quality healthcare services”
“With a focus on enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide, stakeholders anticipate tangible improvements in health services across the country”.
Executive Director, NPHCDA, Muyi Aina emphasised that “reforms in programme implementation are underway with a focus on incentivising primary health centers to
provide high-quality care” noting that “our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access
to the basic service they need”.
