FG approves ₦32.8bn to boost primary healthcare nationwide
FG approves ₦32.8bn to boost primary healthcare nationwide
The Federal Government has approved ₦32.8 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the first quarter of 2026, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and expanding access to essential services across Nigeria.
The approval came during the Q1 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), where reforms under BHCPF 2.0 were advanced to improve financing efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes at the frontline.
BHCPF serves as a key funding mechanism to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, ensure predictable financing, and improve care quality, especially for vulnerable populations.
Agencies including the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) presented implementation updates, while the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and civil society organisations shared field-level insights on service delivery, public health, and financial protection.
Key focus areas included the accelerated rollout of BHCPF 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), aligning financing, service delivery, and accountability with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). Priority interventions reviewed included the MAMII programme to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, the HOPE PHC initiative to boost service readiness and workforce capacity, and the National Health Fellows Programme (NHF) to strengthen leadership and accountability.
The Committee also assessed the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and broader maternal and child health indicators to enhance emergency response and lifesaving care.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate said the government is aligning healthcare financing with measurable outcomes at the primary care level. Minister of State for Health Iziaq Adekunle Salako highlighted expected improvements in safer deliveries and emergency response services, while Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom stressed the need for coordination and accountability.
Resolutions adopted include structured private sector engagement, revised emergency transport tariffs, faster programme reviews, and improved quality assurance in emergency medical services. The Ministry urged states, development partners, and the private sector to align with BHCPF 2.0 priorities, while encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of expanding primary healthcare services.
Source: X | Fmohnigeria
