FG Disburses N192bn To Strengthen Primary Healthcare Since 2019

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed a landmark achievement in its healthcare reform efforts, stating that it has released more than N192 billion to bolster primary healthcare services since 2019. This substantial financial commitment, which comes from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), is the government’s main tool for bringing accessible and affordable healthcare to every corner of the country.

Dr. Muyi Aina, the head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), confirmed that these funds have been sent to 8,309 primary healthcare facilities on a regular, quarterly basis. In a recent upgrade to the system, dubbed “BHCPF 2.0,” the government has increased the quarterly payments to these facilities to between N600,000 and N800,000, up from a previous average of N300,000. This increase is designed to help clinics keep up with the rising costs of medical supplies, essential drugs, and to better support their staff.

However, the road to better healthcare isn’t without its bumps. Dr. Aina also admitted that the government is facing significant challenges, particularly with transparency and accountability. An internal study showed that a worrying 15% to 25% of non-campaign vaccines are unaccounted for, a loss that is attributed to poor management, wastage, or other systemic issues.

In response to this, the government is introducing a new, more secure funding model. This system, which is currently being tested in a few states, will directly pay for medical supplies and health worker salaries into specific, traceable accounts. This move is aimed at reducing financial leaks and ensuring the money reaches its intended destination. Additionally, the government has managed to save a projected $500 million on vaccine costs over the next five years by implementing smarter procurement and management practices.

While the challenges are evident, the government is committed to working with all partners to ensure this major investment genuinely improves the health and well-being of every Nigerian.