The Federal Government recently approved the disbursement of N12.911 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, representing the 2023 fund for one quarter to be utilized in the third quarter of 2024. This decision, based on the 2020 BHCPF guideline, was disclosed by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the 7th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee in Abuja.
In March 2024, the Nigerian government also authorized the disbursement of N25 billion through the BHCPF across states for direct facility financing and workforce incentives. Despite these allocations, only a fraction of Primary Healthcare Centers in the country benefit from the fund, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to align resources and improve health outcomes.
The ongoing efforts include a thorough review of the BHCPF guidelines and the approval of proposed reforms for the National Health Insurance Authority and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, aimed at better healthcare access and coverage in Nigeria.
In conclusion, these reforms and disbursements signify a collaborative approach by federal and state entities to enhance healthcare access and affordability nationwide.