The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has announced that ₦45.9 billion was disbursed through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in 2024 to bolster healthcare facilities and support vulnerable groups across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Prof. Pate highlighted the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including inadequate funding, poor governance, fragmented coordination, and inefficiencies in development assistance.
To tackle these issues, the government has introduced a four-pillar Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. This framework focuses on strengthening governance, improving health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security and resilience.
Prof. Pate elaborated, “Through the BHCPF, ₦45.9 billion has been disbursed through direct financing to facilities already this year. The equity funds provided by state governments support care for their most vulnerable citizens. These funds complement social sector interventions targeting these groups.”
He also outlined the government’s efforts to mobilize resources for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), revealing that over $3 billion in additional funding has been secured through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and Sector-Wide Approach (NHSRII SWAp). This includes $2.178 billion in external financing to be utilized alongside government allocations through 2026.
Key initiatives under the health sector reform include the Presidential Initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain, aimed at increasing local production of health products, creating jobs, and reducing medical tourism.
Prof. Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access, stating, “We will ensure that all citizens, rich or poor, have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.”
This robust approach, according to the minister, is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, improving quality care, and saving lives across Nigeria.
