By Fatima Saka
The 10th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) Meeting of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has reaffirmed its critical role in ensuring the fund’s effective implementation, transparency, and accountability.
At the meeting, the committee approved revised guidelines to enhance the disbursement of funds to the four BHCPF gateways:
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
National Emergency Medical and Ambulance System (NEMSAS)
Through strategic oversight, the MOC continues to monitor fund disbursements, ensure alignment with national health priorities, and optimize resource utilization to improve healthcare access for underserved populations.
Meeting Highlights
The 10th MOC-BHCPF meeting was held on Wednesday, in Abuja, under the chairmanship of Prof. Ali Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The meeting convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the Health Sector Reform Committee (HSRC), donor partners, and the four BHCPF gateways. Updates on ongoing reforms, fund allocations, and governance improvements were presented by the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Office and the MOC Secretariat.
Key Outcomes
1. Strengthening BHCPF Reforms through SWAp
The MOC reaffirmed its commitment to BHCPF reforms in line with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
Notable progress includes:
Completion of the revised BHCPF Guideline
Restructuring of the fund’s operational architecture
Strengthening of governance frameworks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability
The SWAp framework remains central to harmonizing health financing and ensuring a coordinated approach to healthcare funding in Nigeria.
2. Approval of BHCPF 2.0 Guideline
The 10th MOC meeting officially approved and adopted the BHCPF 2.0 Guideline, which introduces improved fund administration, disbursement, and monitoring mechanisms.
The revised guideline also clarifies local government involvement and administrative structures, with further details to be provided by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare.
3. First Quarter 2025 Fund Disbursement
The MOC approved the disbursement of ₦32,880,443,906.25 for Q1 2025 (January–March). The funds, scheduled for release in April 2025, will be allocated to NHIA, NPHCDA, NCDC, and NEMSAS, in line with the BHCPF 2.0 Guidelines, to ensure continuous and effective healthcare service delivery nationwide.
4. Recognition of Leadership Contributions
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The committee acknowledged the dedicated service of Dr. Mukhtar, Secretary of the MOC, following his appointment as a Permanent Secretary designate. A valedictory session was held in his honor, recognizing his significant contributions to BHCPF oversight and implementation.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency, the 10th MOC meeting reinforced its commitment to enhancing accountability and efficiency in health financing through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp). These efforts aim to drive sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring better health outcomes for all citizens.
