…Employs 2,497 Doctors, Nurses In Six Months
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate has disclosed that the Federal Government would be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund.
Pate gave the hint on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.
The series was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and equally apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance.
In his remarks, the Minister stated that the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality had been unwavering as the earmarked N50 billion was a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.
“Since assuming office, we have prioritised the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities across the nation, ensuring they are adequately equipped and staffed to provide essential services to communities. Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, we have expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases”, he said.
The Minister further explained that, “the achievements we have recorded significant progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.
“I am delighted to announce that the Federal Government will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022. This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens”.
He further noted that the Federal Government had made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage:
“Since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance. We remain committed to providing access to quality health for all Nigerians through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)”, Pate said.
According to him, over 5 million children had been immunised with the Penta vaccine and 10 million children with TB vaccines.
Also, more than 4,95million eligible girls aged 9-14 years representing 80% of eligible girls had been vaccinated since the launch of the HPV vaccine in October 2023.
The Minister disclosed ongoing government efforts in the prevention and treatment of lassa fever, cancer and in the promotion of medical industrialisation by securing a $1 billion pledge from Afreximbank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support their endeavor.
