The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N25.8bn from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the upgrade, and expansion of primary healthcare facilities across the country.
The funds designated for delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level and providing health insurance for the vulnerable population will be channeled through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the National Health Insurance Authority.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate made this known after the meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for the BHCPF in Abuja on Thursday.
Prof Pate said the government is committed to improving the health of Nigerians and enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and ensure quality service delivery.
He mentioned that discussions were held with health sector agencies, state commissioners of health, and development partners, resulting in significant decisions to further the goals of broadening primary healthcare and improving social outcomes.
“One of these decisions is the formation of seven technical working groups focusing on various thematic areas relevant to the Ministry of Health’s initiatives,” he said.
“Secondly, we approved the disbursement of N25 billion through the BHCPF channels to the states of the federation through the gateways – the NPHCDA and NHIA gateways.”
He stated that this initiative aims to directly furnish them with facility financing and resources to adequately support their workforce while enabling the NHIA to offer financial protection for the vulnerable population.
BHCPF
The BHCPF, established by the federal government in 2014 under Section 11 of the National Health Act, aims to enhance access to primary healthcare by providing funding.
It was designed to be financed from not less than one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federal government and other sources including donors’ contributions.
This fund offers a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) to expand the fiscal capacity for health, reinforce the national healthcare system, particularly at the PHC level, and guarantee healthcare access for all.
Despite its establishment in 2014, the actual implementation of the law, including fund allocation, did not begin until 2018.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyiwa Aina clarified that a portion of the funds will be allocated to health facilities to acquire essential commodities such as electricity, water, and temporary staffing, ensuring the efficient operation of these facilities and the delivery of services to Nigerians.
Dr Aina emphasized the significance of transparency in spending and unveiled the introduction of a specialized hotline for whistleblowers to report any irregularities or misconduct noticed in the field.