The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, has revealed that the Federal Government has approved N51b for 2024 basic healthcare provision fund, saying it is a step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country.
Pate also urged state governments to complement FG’s efforts by investing in the primary healthcare sector.
The minister stated this in Abuja, during the 5th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), saying that the funds will be channeled towards improving the primary healthcare system in the country.
The basic healthcare fund, which was established under the National Health Act of 2014, was aimed at addressing the issue of inadequate investment in the primary healthcare sector.
He noted that the approved funds would be utilised to improve the infrastructure and equipment in primary healthcare facilities across the country. The minister reassured Nigerians that the FG is committed to improving the country’s healthcare system and providing quality healthcare services to all citizens.
He explained that the fund is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare system in Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas where access to quality healthcare is limited.
“There are 800 facilities receiving financing through the BHCP gateways. The refinements are going to ensure that the poor and vulnerable populations have accessible services. Human resources are also motivated to compensate better as well as the commodities so that the primary healthcare system functions better on the path to improving the health outcomes, which is the most important thing. Meaning, women get better quality healthcare when they come to deliver their children.”
