The National Coordinator of the federal government Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq emphasized that states must provide 35 percent counterpart funding and evidence of progress in revitalizing primary health centers to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Currently, over 8,000 out of 34,000 primary health centers have been rehabilitated, with plans to reach 17,000 by 2027.
The BHCPF aims to provide essential healthcare services to all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable. However, challenges such as inadequate financing, lack of coordination, and equitable resource distribution hinder its success. The fund operates through gateways like the NHIA and NPHCDA to ensure efficient fund allocation.
With approximately 160,000 citizens benefiting from BHCPF and a utilization rate of 15 percent nationwide, progress is being made. The fund, sourced from the federal government’s revenue and donor contributions, aims to strengthen the healthcare system and increase access to essential services nationwide.