…At the moment, all states in the federation and Federal Capital Territory have committed to a remediation plan, pledging to improve health services for Nigerians.
MON APRIL 01 2024-theGBJournal| The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated its intentions to transforming the healthcare system in Nigeria to attain Universal Healthcare Coverage for Nigerians with the approval of N25 billion to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority gateways, recently.
The Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who revealed the decision when he convened the 6th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee recently in Abuja, noted that health transformation, renewal and accessibility would be achieved with the approval of a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Program (NHSRIP).
Following recent assessment focused on advancing Nigeria’s primary healthcare delivery through SWAp, the need for reforms in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF programmes, operations, fiduciary system of accountability and public trust was re-echoed.
At the moment, all states in the federation and Federal Capital Territory have committed to a remediation plan, pledging to improve health services for Nigerians.
And, recognising the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer guidelines, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its development partners are even now committed to making healthcare services accessible to Nigerian women, children and for all citizens, especially those in the vulnerable groups.
“The goal, in line with NHSRIP is to reduce the necessity for patients to travel long distances for care thereby qualitatively and equitably improving the overall health and wellbeing of Nigerians”, Ali Pate said.
Pate assured that the guidelines will be revised to cover health services rendered to the indigent population while aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, out- of- pocket payments and standardised quality of healthcare across primary healthcare facilities.
Pate ssaid the NPHCDA gateway revision will include measures to address inequalities, provide additional resources for state supervision, support frontline workers, ensure availability of drugs and commodities at over 8,500 Primary Healthcare Centers across Nigeria and strengthen financial management, transparency and accountability.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani qho was at the meeting said, with a focus on enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide, stakeholders anticipate tangible improvements in health services across the country.
Equally, the Executive Director, NPHCDA, Muyi Aina emphasised that “reforms in programme implementation are underway with a focus on incentivising primary health centers to provide high-quality care” noting that “our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the basic service they need.”
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