By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Ministry of Health says transparency, inclusiveness and inter-agency collaboration are fuelling steady progress in the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said this during the 11th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on BHCPF on Monday in Abuja.

Salako said that the committee reflected the ministry’s commitment to inclusive and accountable health governance.

“The MOC reflects the level of transparency and inclusiveness that is now driving the system.

“We are seeing more active engagement from sub-national governments, civil society organisations and the four implementing gateways; this synergy is critical to delivering better health outcomes,” he said.

The minister said that the current process was fostering greater enrolment in health insurance, as stakeholders aligned their priorities and worked in a more coordinated manner.

He also underscored the impact of the Presidential Executive Order on unlocking the healthcare value chain, stating that its implementation was beginning to show results across different components of the health system.

“This Order has had a positive ripple effect on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

He shared insights from a recent engagement with a leading drug manufacturer, commending the Senate for its role in fast-tracking regulatory reforms.

Salako, however, raised a critical question, “Are these benefits being transferred to the patients?”

He said that the ultimate aim must be to lower drug prices at the pharmacy counter.

The minister urged stakeholders to ensure that cost savings were not absorbed solely by manufacturers but passed on to those in need.

In addition, he called for greater flexibility in evaluating innovative proposals that may fall outside traditional funding parameters.

“The revitalisation of primary healthcare, a key agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is no longer just a plan, it is becoming visible and measurable,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BHCPF, which aims to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare through sustainable financing, continues to gain traction across states.

The MOC serves as a critical platform for monitoring, reviewing, and aligning health sector progress toward Universal Health Coverage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kadiri Abdulrahman