By Iyemah David
The Federal Ministry of Health introduced the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as crucial component of the National Health Act and to serve as lifeline for vulnerable persons.
Dr Mukhtar Mohammad, the Secretary of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) for the BHCPF, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) said this during a media engagement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mohammad said that the fund was designed to provide essential healthcare services to the nation’s most vulnerable populations and to strengthen primary healthcare systems and achieve Universal Health Coverage across Nigeria.
He, however, added that the implementation of the ambitious programme, established in 2014, had been fraught with challenges that threaten its effectiveness.
The secretary said BHCPF was funded through a combination of one per cent of Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and contributions from donors and international partners.
He said “its primary goals include reducing financial barriers to healthcare, improving the quality and availability of health services, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
“The fund is a vital step toward addressing health disparities in Nigeria, particularly for those in underserved communities.”
He said that the BHCPF operates through four main gateways, each with specific responsibilities.
He explained that “the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Gateway focused on providing financial risk protection by enrolling vulnerable populations into the health insurance scheme and paying healthcare providers for delivering basic services.
“The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Gateway is to strengthen primary healthcare by distributing funds to enhance infrastructure, equipment and human resources at the grassroots.
“The National Emergency Medical Treatment (NEMT) Gateway ensures availability and accessibility of emergency medical services across the country, particularly for those unable to afford treatment.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Gateway strengthens the nation’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.”
He noted that in spite of these, the BHCPF is facing 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 in the context of the country’s frequent public health emergencies. However, addressing these challenges is essential for the BHCPF to achieve its target,” he said.
He said that the BHCPF represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare system, with emphasis on primary care, equity and quality improvement.
However, he said, the success of the fund is hinged 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 added.
