The Federal Government will disburse N25 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to boost healthcare infrastructure in the states.
Prof. Muhammed Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja at the sixth meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee.
Pate said that the disbursement would be facilitated through gateways including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
According to him, the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Nigerian women, children, and vulnerable populations.
“This substantial investment underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and supporting our monitor workforce.
“In addition to direct facility financing and workforce incentives, a portion of the funds will be allocated by the NHIA to provide financial protection for the poorest and most vulnerable populations, further ensuring equitable access to healthcare services,” he said.
The minister announced the establishment of a dedicated reporting mechanism for citizens to report any misuse or deviation from guidelines regarding the disbursement of the funds.
“An email address and reporting line will be made available, enabling citizens to actively participate in monitoring fund implementation.
“We are committed to ensuring that healthcare resources are utilized effectively and transparently.
“Regular monitoring and oversight will be conducted to uphold the fiduciary integrity of healthcare systems, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from these resources,” Pate said.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioners for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani pledged that all the states would prioritize the quality of care provided to Nigerians even after leaving the hospital.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to good quality healthcare services.
“By bolstering resources at the state level and fostering stronger collaboration with the federal government, we aim to significantly improve the quality of healthcare services shortly,” he added.
While expressing optimism about the potential impact of these efforts, Filani highlighted their plan to strengthen public health units and ensure frontline health workers and civil servants receive the necessary support.
“With a focus on enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide, stakeholders anticipate tangible improvements in health services across the country,” Filani said.
Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director, NPHCDA in his remarks emphasized the importance of transparency in expenditure and announced the establishment of a dedicated call line for whistle-blowers to report any discrepancies or malpractices observed in the field.
Aina said that the government would leverage software technology to track expenditures at the facility level and ensure funds allocated are utilized appropriately.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the basic services they need,” he said.
Also, speaking, the Director-General of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri underscored the importance of ensuring financial access to healthcare for all Nigerians by reducing out-of-pocket payments for healthcare services.
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