…Accelerates rollout of BHCPF 2.0
WED MAR 25 2026-theGBJournal| The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N32.8 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for Q1 2026, advancing BHCPF 2.0 to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and expand access to essential services nationwide.
The decision was reached at the Quarter 1 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), where reforms were advanced to drive more efficient financing, stronger coordination, and measurable frontline results.
The BHCPF is a core Federal Government financing mechanism designed to provide predictable funding, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and improve access to quality care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
At the meeting, gateway agencies; NHIA, NPHCDA, NCDC presented implementation updates.
Representatives of ALGON and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) also provided field-level insights and recommendations, reflecting progress in expanding service delivery, strengthening public health response, and improving financial protection for Nigerians as the country advances towards Universal Health Coverage.
A key focus was the accelerated rollout of BHCPF 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), aligning financing, service delivery, and accountability mechanisms to deliver improved health outcomes nationwide, in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Priority interventions reviewed include:
· Priority interventions reviewed include:
· MAMII- driving targeted, data-led action to reduce maternal and newborn deaths
· HOPE PHC – improving service readiness, workforce capacity, and PHC performance
· NHF (National Health Fellows Programme) – strengthening leadership, accountability, and delivery across the health system
The Committee also reviewed progress on the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), alongside broader maternal and child health indicators, reinforcing emergency response and lifesaving care.
Speaking at the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated: “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are deliberately aligning financing with outcomes. BHCPF 2.0 ensures that resources translate into real improvements in service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level where most Nigerians access care.”
The Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, added: “This is about outcomes Nigerians can see and feel — safer deliveries, improved emergency response, and functional primary healthcare centres.”
The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom S. mni, emphasised coordination and accountability as critical to sustained impact.
The Committee adopted key resolutions to strengthen implementation, including structured private sector engagement, revised emergency transport tariffs, faster programme reviews, and reinforced quality assurance across emergency medical services.
The MOC, chaired by the Coordinating Minister, with the Permanent Secretary as Vice Chairman and the Honourable Minister of State as Alternate Chair, provides oversight for the Fund.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare calls on states, partners, and the private sector to align with BHCPF 2.0 priorities. Nigerians are encouraged to utilise primary healthcare services as access to quality, affordable care continues to expand nationwide.
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