By Alice Etuka, Abuja
In line with Nigeria’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Federal Government has announced it’s decision to allocate N25bn to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) gateways.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Health, Deworitshe Patricia on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
According to the statement, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Pate made the announcement when he convened the 6th meeting of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Ministerial Oversight Committee recently in Abuja.
Pate stated that 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).
According to him, 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.
He therefore reaffirmed the unrelenting commitment of the present administration in transforming the healthcare system to attain Universal Healthcare Coverage for Nigerians.
Consequently, he announced the decision for the approval of N25bn to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority gateways.
“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.
He 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.
Pate 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.
On his part, 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. Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the basic service they need”.
