The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N25bn to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), to expand and enhance healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
The Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, reaffirmed the unrelenting commitment of the present administration to transforming the healthcare system to attain Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) for Nigerians.
A statement signed by the Director of Information of the ministry, Deworitshe Patricia on Sunday in Abuja, quoted the minister as saying 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 advancement 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.
Pate explained that the guidelines would 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.
He said: “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.”
Pate assured that for the NPHCDA gateway, the revision would 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.
Speaking on behalf of the State Health Commissioners, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani stated that “we are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to good quality of healthcare services”.
“With a focus on enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide, stakeholders anticipate tangible improvements in health services across the country”.
Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina emphasised that “reforms in programme implementation are underway with a focus on incentivising primary health centres to provide high-quality care” noting that “our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the basic service they need.”