The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved N32.88 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.
The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, during the 10th quarterly meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for BHCPF in Abuja. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in the fund’s implementation and advancing healthcare access nationwide.
Strengthening Healthcare Governance and Service Delivery
Minister Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and affordability, emphasizing that the funding will be allocated to states, local governments, and 10,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across Nigeria through BHCPF’s four funding gateways.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the government will make disbursement details publicly available on the BHCPF website. Additionally, independent verification agents and public financial monitoring offices have been deployed to track fund utilization.
A total of 744 local healthcare workers have also been engaged to monitor resource allocation and ensure service delivery at PHCs. The funding will not only cover essential medical commodities and health workers’ support but also focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of PHCs across the country.
Expanding Emergency Medical Services and Health Security
The meeting also reviewed updated BHCPF guidelines, enhancing governance structures and streamlining fund allocation to maximize resources. Minister Pate highlighted the critical role of the emergency response gateway, which has been instrumental in saving lives, particularly in cases of road traffic accidents and maternal health emergencies.
Furthermore, he called for increased public awareness regarding available healthcare services, urging media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information.
Strengthening Collaboration and Financial Oversight
The BHCPF governance reforms align with Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), ensuring effective collaboration among federal, state, and local governments in delivering quality healthcare services.
Dr. Jubril Ismail, Board Chairperson of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), reaffirmed the impact of the emergency medical system in saving lives during critical situations, citing significant improvements in recent months.
Dr. Walter Kazadi, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the importance of financial governance, coordination, and increased health sector funding. He noted that maintaining a 10% national and 15% sub-national disbursement factor will prevent service disruptions while awaiting local government autonomy.
A task team is currently overseeing financial mechanisms, with ongoing consultations to improve resource allocation, service efficiency, and long-term healthcare sustainability. Key stakeholders, including WHO, government agencies, state governments, and international partners, are working together to ensure effective healthcare funding and delivery.
About the BHCPF
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a government-led initiative designed to finance and strengthen primary healthcare services across Nigeria sustainably. The fund supports service delivery improvements, accountability measures, and emergency medical care.
BHCPF disburses funds through four key gateways:
- State-Level Gateway – Supporting state-wide healthcare initiatives.
- Local Government Gateway – Strengthening healthcare services at the local government level.
- Primary Health Care Centre Gateway – Directly funding PHCs to enhance service delivery.
- Emergency and Specialized Services Gateway – Providing financial support for critical emergency healthcare services.
The federal government’s renewed commitment to healthcare investment underscores its dedication to improving child health, maternal care, and overall health security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the health sector.
