By Muhammad Amaan
As the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare held the 11th BHCPF Oversight Meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has reiterated the commitment of Nigerian government to delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Speaking at the event, Professor Pate, emphasized the progress made through the BHCPF, citing over 37 million Nigerians access healthcare services through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund BHCPF.
He described the achievement as a result of strong partnerships among the federal government, states, local governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners.
“The BHCPF is working because of the broad collaboration and alignment across all levels of government,” Pate said. “No single tier of government can tackle basic healthcare challenges alone, but together, we are making steady progress.”
Prof. Pate noted that the success of the initiative is tied to reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which has gained strong buy-in from all 36 state governors and stakeholders across the sector.
The minister also linked recent macroeconomic reforms, including the signing of the new tax bill and removal of fuel subsidies, to long-term sustainability in funding health services.
“These reforms are about increasing government revenue to fund critical sectors like health and education. Good healthcare requires investment, and we are laying the foundation for that,” he stated.
On the alarming number of tuberculosis (TB) patients yet to begin treatment despite positive tests, Prof. Pate assured that the federal government has made provisions in the 2025 budget to procure more drugs to meet the growing demand resulting from improved TB detection efforts.
On his part, Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the BHCPF’s implementation is being driven by transparency and inclusivity.
“The Oversight Committee showcases a model of governance that includes sub-national actors, civil society, and all key agencies. This synergy is leading to more effective service delivery,” he said.
Highlighting developments at the sub-national level, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Chair of the Health Commissioners Forum, revealed that over N32 billion was disbursed in the first and second quarters of 2025 to enhance service delivery in more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres across Nigeria.
“We are seeing the impact on the ground massive renovations, re-equipping of facilities, training of health workers, and consistent supply of essential medicines. These efforts are making healthcare more accessible and improving the overall health and productivity of Nigerians,” Filani said.
Dr Filani also praised the federal government’s support and emphasized the need for continued accountability and alignment across all states to deepen the gains.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge to maintain momentum, strengthen sub-national commitment, and scale innovative solutions that will drive Nigeria closer to achieving 70% population coverage for basic healthcare services.
Health Reporter Newspaper reports that the revised BHCPF Guidelines 2.0, which received provisional approval at the 10th MOC, have now been formally approved. Dissemination is scheduled to occur before the end of Q3 2025, offering an updated framework to strengthen implementation, coordination, and accountability.
The phased rollout of the Mini District Health Information System (Mini-DHIS) will begin in July 2025, enhancing real-time data visibility and decision-making at the PHC level.
Dr Ogbe Oritseweyimi, who was formerly the National Lead for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) at the NPHCDA, has been officially announced as the new Secretary of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) Secretariat.
He brings renewed leadership and a wealth of expertise in health systems governance, coordination, and health financing, further strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to drive impactful implementation of the BHCPF.
The MOC resolved to increase the visibility of health sector reforms and positive outcomes, including through improved strategic communication, documentation of success stories, and enhanced media engagement.
