Nigeria’s Health Minister Announces N50 Billion Disbursement to Primary Healthcare Centers
Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has revealed that the Nigerian government is set to release N50 billion to Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in the first quarter of 2024. This announcement was made during the fifth Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting held in Abuja.
Pate explained that the funds, which have already been accumulated in the BHCPF, will be distributed through the state’s PHCs to enhance healthcare services for women and children. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s objective to expand the number of facilities from 8,000 to nearly 17,000 PHCs within the next four years, aiming to provide quality healthcare to more vulnerable Nigerians.
The minister emphasized the committee’s commitment to refining criteria, addressing package issues, and ensuring transparent and accountable utilization of resources at both state and local government levels. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and enable facilities to be accountable to their communities.
In alignment with the government’s goal to improve healthcare and well-being, Pate stressed the importance of transparency and responsiveness in reporting progress and utilizing resources efficiently.
Oyebanji Filani, the chairman of the Forum of Health Commissioners in Nigeria, highlighted the meeting’s focus on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) using the BHCPF. He expressed confidence in addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities to move towards this goal in the coming year.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the country representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), commended the discussions at the meeting, noting their alignment with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. He emphasized the importance of these discussions in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving a reset in healthcare delivery.
Source: Peoples Gazette
