The Federal Ministry of Health has revealed that over 10 million Nigerians are now accessing healthcare services through primary healthcare facilities funded by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Speaking during the 9th ministerial oversight committee meeting in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the government’s dedication to equitable healthcare. He credited the BHCPF for expanding access to primary healthcare, describing it as a pivotal component of Nigeria’s health sector renewal initiative.
Prof. Pate urged Nigerians to monitor the effective utilization of funds disbursed to healthcare facilities.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), highlighted progress in health insurance coverage, which rose from 16.7 million in 2023 to nearly 20 million, with 2.6 million vulnerable Nigerians covered under the BHCPF.
He also announced a new NHIA program offering emergency care for pregnant women, including cesarean sections, without financial constraints, reaffirming the commitment to reducing maternal mortality.
“This milestone reflects a collaborative effort to enhance financial access to healthcare for all Nigerians,” Dr. Ohiri added.
