The federal government has greenlit the allocation of N25 billion from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to bolster the delivery of health services aimed at the vulnerable populace.
This financial injection, designated for enhancing healthcare provisions at the grassroots level and extending health insurance coverage to those in need, will be funnelled through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Following the inauguration of seven technical working committees, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, addressed reporters, stating
, “We convened with health sector stakeholders, state health commissioners, and development partners, reaching crucial decisions to advance our goals of expanding primary healthcare and improving social outcomes.”
Pate further elaborated, “Among these decisions is the approval for the disbursement of N25 billion through the PHCPF channels to the states via the NPHCDA and NHIA gateways. This funding aims to provide direct facility financing to states, enabling them to adequately support their workforce, while the NHIA will ensure financial protection for vulnerable populations.”
Offering additional insight into the fund’s objectives, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), disclosed that a portion of the N25.8 billion would be subsequently distributed to states for the enhancement of primary healthcare facilities. He emphasised that the disbursement process would prioritise areas with specific healthcare needs to optimise service delivery.
Aina emphasised that funds would be directed to the National Health Insurance Agency to safeguard vulnerable populations through comprehensive health coverage.
