The Nigerian Federal Government has approved the allocation of N25 billion to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to enhance healthcare provision throughout the country.
Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the administration is committed to overhauling the healthcare system to achieve Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians.
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In a statement released on Sunday by ministry spokesperson Deworitshe Patricia in Abuja, Pate emphasized the potential of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme (NHSRIP) in advancing healthcare accessibility and quality.
Highlighting the importance of reforming the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and its operations, Pate emphasized the commitment of all states and the Federal Capital Territory to remediation plans aimed at enhancing healthcare services nationwide.
According to Pate, the focus will include revising guidelines to encompass healthcare for the indigent population, with a goal of reducing maternal mortality rates and out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring standardized healthcare quality across primary healthcare facilities.
He further stated, “Recognizing the imperative of robust governance and clear guidelines, the Ministry and its development partners are steadfast in their mission to make healthcare services readily available to Nigerian women, children, and all citizens, particularly the vulnerable groups.”
Aligned with NHSRIP’s objectives, the overarching aim is to minimize the need for patients to travel long distances for medical care, thereby significantly improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians qualitatively and equitably.