The goal is to ensure that every penny disbursed reaches the poorest and most vulnerable, enabling them to receive the quality primary healthcare they need – Professor Pate
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to monitor the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) facilities closely and report any irregularities encountered in accessing healthcare services at primary health care centers, local governments, or state levels.
This call was made during the 9th Basic Health Care Provision Fund Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that ensuring transparency and accountability in fund utilization is critical to delivering quality primary healthcare to the most vulnerable populations.
“The goal is to ensure that every penny disbursed reaches the poorest and most vulnerable, enabling them to receive the quality primary healthcare they need,” Professor Pate stated.
He disclosed that over 10 million Nigerians had accessed services through BHCPF-funded facilities, with more than 2.6 million covered in the past year alone.
“We’re witnessing increased financial protection, and Nigeria’s healthcare system is advancing. The Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, unveiled by the President, is a significant step forward. While these are early stages, sustaining these efforts beyond 2025 is crucial,” he added.
Updates on Gateway Initiatives for Elderly Citizens
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), presented updates on the inclusion of elderly citizens in health insurance. He introduced a new mechanism called GiveShipR, designed for retirees. This system allows retirees to register at designated enrollment centers, ensuring continuity in healthcare access without interruptions.
“We’re focusing on those already enrolled. Reaching retirement age shouldn’t disrupt their healthcare coverage. As people age, healthcare costs increase, requiring adjustments to premiums to reflect this reality,” Dr. Ohiri explained.
He emphasized the importance of pooling risks and resources to ensure affordability and inclusivity. “The beauty of insurance is its collective approach—when you’re healthy, you’re contributing; when you’re sick, you’re covered. This shared responsibility ensures that no one bears the full cost of care alone,” he said.
Key Highlights and Resolutions from the 9th BHCPF-MOC Meeting
The meeting underscored the critical role of the MOC in ensuring the effective implementation, transparency, and accountability of the BHCPF. The committee provides strategic oversight, monitors fund disbursements, and fosters alignment among the fund’s four gateways:
1. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
2. National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
3. National Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (NEMSAS)
4. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
These efforts aim to optimize resource utilization, enhance access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, and ensure adherence to national health policies for a more efficient and equitable system.
Resolutions:
Reforms Underway: In line with the Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of a sector-wide approach, transformative reforms of the BHCPF are progressing. These include revising the BHCPF guideline, restructuring operational frameworks, and strengthening governance for improved efficiency and accountability.
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Adoption of Key Documents: The adoption of the revised BHCPF 2.0 Guideline has been deferred to the first quarter of 2025 to allow for consensus building and resolution of outstanding issues.
Fund Disbursement Approval: Approval for first-quarter 2025 disbursements to NHIA, NPHCDA, NCDC, and NEMSAS has been postponed to align with ongoing reforms.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the BHCPF fulfills its mandate of providing equitable and quality healthcare to all Nigerians.
