To improve and expand healthcare services to Nigerians, the Federal Government has approved the distribution of N25 billion to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).
This was revealed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, who also reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to changing the healthcare system in order to provide Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) for Nigerians.
Deworitshe Patricia, spokesperson for the ministry, signed a statement on Sunday in Abuja stating that the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme (NHSRIP) and a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) approval would be necessary to promote health transformation, renewal, and accessibility.
He said that while discussing how to improve primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria through SWAp, an assessment was conducted that showed the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) needed to undergo reforms in its operations, programs, fiduciary system of accountability, and public trust. He also said that all states and the Federal Capital Territory had committed to a remediation plan that would enhance health services for Nigerians.
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.
“The Ministry and its development partners are committed to making healthcare services accessible to Nigerian women, children, and all citizens, especially those in the vulnerable groups,” he said, acknowledging the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer norms.
“The objective, in keeping with NHSRIP, is to lessen the need for patients to travel long distances for care, thereby improving Nigerians’ general health and well-being in a qualitative and equitable manner.”
