Coordinating Minister,
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has reaffirmed the
unrelenting commitment of the present administration in transforming the
healthcare system to attain Universal Healthcare Coverage for Nigerians.
The Minister, who made this statement recently when he convened the
6th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee recently in
Abuja stated that 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 advancing 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 announced the decision for the approval of N25bn to the
National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health
Insurance Authority gateways.
“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”, he asserted.
He further stated that the guidelines will 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.
Pate assured that for NPHCDA gateway, the revision will 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, NPHCDA,
Muyi Aina emphasised that “reforms in programme implementation are underway
with a focus on incentivising primary health centers to provide high-quality
care” noting that “our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the
basic service they need”.
Deworitshe Patricia
D (Information)
31st March, 2024.
