FG Approves N25 Billion To Enhance Healthcare Services

Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare

THE National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will receive N25 billion from the Federal Government in order to enhance and extend healthcare services for Nigerians.

This was announced by Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who also reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to changing the healthcare system in order to provide Universal Healthcare Coverage, or UHC, for Nigerians.

Pate stated that health reform, renewal, and accessibility will be realized with the approval of a Sector Wide Approach, or SWAP, and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, or NHSRIP, in a statement signed by Deworitshe Patricia, a ministry spokesperson, on Sunday, March 31, in Abuja.

Speaking on the progress of primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria through SWAp, the minister stated that an assessment had shown that changes were needed in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), its programs, operations, fiduciary system of accountability, and public trust. He also mentioned that all states and the Federal Capital Territory had committed to a remediation plan, meaning that health services for Nigerians would be improved.

According to Pate, the amended recommendations would address healthcare services provided to the impoverished people and will decrease maternal death rates, out-of-pocket expenses, and provide uniform healthcare standards for primary healthcare facilities.

He declared, “Recognising the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer guidelines, the Ministry and its development partners are committed to making healthcare services accessible to Nigerian women, children and for all citizens, especially those in the vulnerable groups.

 

“The goal, in line with NHSRIP is to reduce the necessity for patients to travel long distances for care thereby qualitatively and equitably improving the overall health and wellbeing of Nigerians.”