The Federal Government has expanded healthcare access to over 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians in the past year through the Vulnerable Groups Fund, a key initiative aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate during the quarterly meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Abuja.
Pate highlighted that the initiative targets reducing maternal mortality and improving child health outcomes across Nigeria. He underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that affordable healthcare reaches the poorest and most vulnerable citizens, particularly through the inclusion of millions of Nigerians under the Vulnerable Groups Fund.
“Over the past year, 4 million additional enrollees have been added to the Vulnerable Groups Fund, ensuring they can now afford healthcare,” he said.
The minister noted that some states, such as Anambra, have excelled in utilising these resources, while others are still catching up. However, he emphasised that the federal government, in collaboration with states and other stakeholders, remains committed to improving healthcare access nationwide.
Addressing maternal health challenges, Prof. Pate announced the government’s focus on repairing obstetric fistulas —a condition caused by complications during childbirth. The government has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with several health maintenance organisations (HMOs), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and fistula repair centres in Ebonyi and Katsina, to offer affordable and accessible care to affected women.
He noted that hundreds of women have already benefited from low-cost fistula repair surgeries, with many more expected to receive treatment. The initiative also focuses on empowering these women, many of whom come from vulnerable communities, helping them reintegrate into society with dignity and support.
In addition to improving healthcare access, Pate emphasised the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce by training frontline health workers across the country.
“The government has trained several frontline health workers and continues to provide more training to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
Pate concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to reducing maternal mortality and improving child health outcomes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader health agenda, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing essential medical services.
