Over 10 million Nigerians benefits from basic healthcare fund – FG

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has facilitated access to primary healthcare services for over ten million Nigerians under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the 9th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee on BHCPF.

The meeting, the last for 2024, was held on Wednesday at Hawthorn Suites Hotel, Garki, Abuja, as revealed in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.

Addressing journalists, Prof. Pate highlighted that in the past year, over ten million Nigerians, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, have received essential services through primary healthcare centres funded by the BHCPF.

He noted that the Tinubu administration has significantly increased financing and expanded access to primary healthcare services across the country, resulting in a rise in skilled healthcare attendants and improved health insurance coverage.

“The program has been approved, appreciated, and fully supported by the President since its inception a year ago,” Prof. Pate emphasized. He further explained that efforts are being made to enhance the governance structure for fund disbursement to ensure the intended beneficiaries receive the allocated resources.

“We urge Nigerians to monitor resources allocated to BHCPF facilities in their communities. If there are concerns about operations at primary healthcare centres, local governments, or state levels, they should report them. Our commitment is to ensure every disbursed penny benefits the poorest and most vulnerable citizens,” he said. Prof. Pate added that the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), introduced by President Tinubu, is yielding results but requires sustained efforts in 2025.

Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, Coordinator of BHCPF and Secretary of the Ministerial Oversight Committee, also commented on the program’s success. He noted that the Nigerian health sector has experienced remarkable progress within a short period, largely due to coordinated efforts and pooling of resources from national and international donors to achieve a unified goal.