The Federal Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a key component of the National Health Act.
This initiative is designed to provide essential healthcare services to Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations while strengthening primary healthcare systems to achieve universal health coverage.
Secretary of the BHCPF Monitoring and Oversight Committee (MOC) at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammad highlighted the importance of the BHCPF during a media engagement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He explained that the fund, which draws from one per cent of the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) alongside contributions from donors and international partners, is crucial in reducing financial barriers to healthcare, improving the quality of health services, and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
“The BHCPF is a vital step toward addressing health disparities in Nigeria, particularly for those in underserved communities,” Mohammad stated. He outlined the fund’s operation through four main gateways, each tasked with specific responsibilities to enhance the healthcare system.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Gateway focuses on providing financial risk protection by enrolling vulnerable populations into the health insurance scheme and compensating healthcare providers for delivering basic services; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Gateway aims to strengthen primary healthcare by allocating funds to improve infrastructure, equipment and human resources at the grassroots level; The National Emergency Medical Treatment (NEMT) Gateway ensures the availability of emergency medical services, particularly for those unable to afford treatment and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Gateway enhances the nation’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.
However, despite its promise, Dr. Mohammad acknowledged that the BHCPF faces significant challenges, including delays in fund disbursement, coordination issues among the gateways, and ensuring that resources are equitably distributed. “The inclusion of the NCDC gateway is a critical enhancement, particularly given Nigeria’s frequent public health emergencies. However, addressing these challenges is essential for the BHCPF to fulfil its potential,” he emphasised.
Mohammad noted that the BHCPF represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare system, emphasizing primary care, equity and quality improvement. However, the success of the fund relies heavily on effective implementation and rigorous oversight.
“As Nigeria strives toward universal health coverage, the BHCPF remains a crucial tool in improving health outcomes for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable,” he concluded.
