The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N12.911 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the third quarter of 2024. The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof.
Muhammad Ali Pate, during the 7th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee held on Thursday in Abuja. This amount represents the 2023 fund allocation for one quarter and will be utilized in line with the 2020 BHCPF guideline, pending the review of new guidelines. Related Stories FG to reduce maternal mortality, approves N25 billion for 8,800 facilities through NPHCDA, NHIA FG approves N25 billion disbursement to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria Despite the significant funding, only 7,250 out of the 35,514 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the country are currently benefiting from the BHCPF, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
According to Prof. Pate, a thorough assessment revealed significant flaws in the BHCPF implementation, prompting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to commit to immediate corrective measures. Prof.
Pate highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to improve the BHCPF, aligning with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a Sector-Wide Approach. “A sub-committee established during the 5th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting is leading these reforms.” �.