The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N32 billion to primary healthcare facilities as part of ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s health sector.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in Abuja.
The funds will be disbursed under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to strengthen service delivery and improve access to essential healthcare services across the country.
The Minister of Health said the approval follows updated reform guidelines aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the country.
“The committee approved the disbursement of N32 billion to existing Basic Health Care Provision Fund facilities, following last year’s reform guidelines,” he said.
“Plans are underway to expand direct facility financing to 5,000 additional healthcare centres across the country.”
The minister disclosed that the reforms are already improving access to critical healthcare services, particularly for women and children, with the free fistula programme having reached over 4,000 women.
“More than 40,000 women have received reimbursed emergency obstetric services, making critical care more affordable.”
He added that reimbursement for neonatal care is also being introduced, as part of broader improvements in maternal and child health services.
On emergency services, the minister said ambulance tariffs had been reviewed upward to ensure both private and public providers are adequately compensated for life-saving interventions.
In the area of immunisation, Nigeria recorded a major milestone, with over 102 million children vaccinated during the integrated measles and rubella campaign, alongside ongoing polio vaccination and treatment of neglected tropical diseases.
