The Federal Ministry of Health has said over 10 million Nigerians are receiving health care services from Basic HealthCare Provision Fund (BHCPF) funded primary health care facilities.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this during the 9th ministerial oversight committee meeting of the BHCPF in Abuja.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was established under section 11 of the National Health Act as a catalytic funding to improve access to primary health care. It is derived from an annual grant from the federal government of not less than one percent (1%) of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
Prof Pate said the Nigeria health sector renewal investment initiative unveiled by the president is working, adding that “These are early steps but we need to continue and sustain it in 2025.”
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He said that the expansion of primary healthcare services funded by the BHCPF demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and equitable healthcare for all Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians to track resources to ensure that the monies disbursed to the primary health care facilities are effectively utilised.
Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), said that health insurance coverage has increased from 16.7 million in 2023 to nearly 20 million, exceeding initial projections.
He noted that 2.6 million vulnerable Nigerians are now covered under the BHCPF, which funds their premiums to ensure access to healthcare without financial constraints.
“This milestone reflects the collective effort of federal, state, and private healthcare systems working together to improve financial access to healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that there is a need to educate Nigerians about the importance of health insurance and ensure they receive quality care when they seek medical attention.
Dr. Kelechi said that the NHIA launched a programme providing emergency care for pregnant women, including cesarean sections, without financial restrictions.
“No woman should die giving life due to inability to pay,” he said.
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