The Federal Government has disbursed N130 billion to primary health centers (PHCs) to enhance health services across the country.
It has been gathered by The Nation that the primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across Nigeria have received a total investment of N130.8 billion from the Federal Government within the past five years, aimed at enhancing their facilities.
A total of N25.8b has been disbursed by the government for 2024, while an additional amount of 12.9 is yet to be released.
The investment forms a portion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is an essential tactic with the goal to decrease maternal and infant death rates. Its primary objective is to guarantee that excellent health care services are within reach for every Nigerian, notably those who are vulnerable.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) have disbursed funds to 8,809 PHCs throughout the country. Each Local Government Area has at least one center in every political ward.
The NHIA witnessed an enrolment of 1.96 million Nigerians in the same period, thereby extending the range of healthcare coverage available to them.
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Mukhtar Muhammad, the Secretary of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), has stated that by 2027, BHCPF aims to broaden its coverage and increase PHCs in each ward’s count twofold.
Muhammad stressed on the fact that PHCs are eligible to utilize these funds only if they satisfy rigorous fund-tracking requirements and contribute the demanded 25% counterpart funding from state governments.
Muhammad, speaking at a recent BHCPF media event held in Abuja, noted that despite notable achievements since its establishment, the implementation of mandates has been significantly impeded by various challenges.
The primary objective of BHCPF is to dismantle the hindrances that prevent people, particularly those in remote locations, from accessing primary healthcare.
The purpose of these facilities is to offer quality healthcare services using trained personnel and essential equipment, as they are situated in proximity to the community.
There are four primary channels through which the fund is distributed, namely NHIA (accounting for 48.75%), NPHCDA (which receives 45% of the amount), NEMTC (5%) and NCDC receiving a share of only 1.25%.
Muhammad highlights that Nigeria’s concerning health statistics illustrate the imperative need for BHCPF. Although Nigeria comprises only 2.4% of global population, it is accountable for 10% of maternal deaths across the world.
