The Nigerian government has allocated N12.9 billion to enhance healthcare delivery through four key health agencies.
This funding approval came during the eighth meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) held in Abuja.
The agencies benefiting from this allocation include the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
This financial support is designated for the fourth quarter of 2024 and adheres to the guidelines of the BHCPF.
The MOC is tasked with ensuring transparency and effective fund disbursement as part of ongoing health sector reforms initiated in 2023.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Prof. Pate also mentioned the successful enrollment of 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians in the Vulnerable Groups Fund over the past year.
He noted that the newly approved funds will enhance services across the four agencies, contributing to better health outcomes for the population.
In addition to financial support, the government is dedicated to training healthcare personnel, with a goal of training 120,000 permanent health workers nationwide.
To address delays in fund disbursement, a subcommittee has been formed, comprising representatives from various health and civil society organizations, to provide recommendations within two weeks.
The MOC is focused on implementing strategic measures to monitor the fund’s distribution effectively and ensure accountability within the healthcare system.
