The Federal Government’s decision to allocate N25 billion through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to bolster healthcare infrastructure at the state level signals a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality across Nigeria.
Prof. Muhammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized this commitment during the sixth meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee in Abuja on Friday.
He highlighted the allocation’s focus on direct facility financing and workforce incentives, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to improve healthcare outcomes, especially for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
The disbursement process will be facilitated through gateways such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), ensuring transparent and effective utilization of resources. Additionally, a dedicated reporting mechanism will be established to enable citizens to report any misuse or deviation from guidelines, fostering accountability and citizen engagement in healthcare governance.
Dr Oyebanji Filani, speaking on behalf of Commissioners for Health and Human Services, reiterated the states’ commitment to prioritizing the quality of care and strengthening public health units.
He emphasized collaboration with the federal government to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide and expressed optimism about the potential impact of these efforts.
Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, and Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of NHIA, highlighted initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and financial access to healthcare services for all Nigerians. Measures such as establishing a call line for whistleblowers and leveraging software technology for expenditure tracking demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens.
