The Federal Government has allocated ₦32 billion from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to address the gap in healthcare services, including primary healthcare funding and commodities for TB, HIV and Malaria.

Briefing journalists at the 10th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate said the resources would help strengthen over 8,000 primary healthcare centres, ensure access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations, and enhance disease outbreak control measures, nationwide.

According to the Minister, the funds would be distributed through the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS. 

“The allocated funds will be channelled through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is a critical component of the country’s healthcare financing system.

“The BHCPF aims to provide essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly.”

Professor Pate acknowledged the issues faced by sub-national levels in opening accounts and getting signatories for State Treasury Single Account to enable the NCDC gateway to access funds.

He therefore added that efforts were on to ensure smooth access to funds and to address barriers preventing the full utilisation of resources.

“The government is working to ensure equitable distribution of resources to primary healthcare centers, which are now functioning better than non BHCPF facilities.”

The 10th MOC meeting was held to review the financing mechanisms in Nigeria’s healthcare and to strategise ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of health sector investments.