By Abujah Racheal
Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has issued a pressing call for substantial investments to strengthen over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the nation.
Addressing a policy dialogue during the 2023 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day commemoration in Abuja on Monday, Alausa cited the inadequacy of the current 1 per cent allocation to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
He underscored the critical need for increased funding and proposed a sector-wide approach, urging the multilateral and bilateral agencies to invest in the Basic Healthcare Provision.
This, he said is aimed at transforming the funding structure of PHCs within one to two years.
Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring fully functional PHCs in every ward, equipped with skilled personnel, necessary tools, and reliable access to electricity over the next four years.
Dr Chris Isokpunwu, Director of Health Planning, Research & Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), highlighted persistently low government spending on healthcare, advocating for a collaborative Basic Healthcare Provision Sector-Wide Approach.
He emphasised the need for resource pooling to enhance health service quality and accessibility.
Isokpunwu warned of potential inefficiencies and duplications due to the current low government spending on healthcare.
He stressed the importance of departing from traditional models to achieve progress in key health areas, including antenatal coverage, skilled birth attendance, and health insurance coverage.
The proposed Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme includes the BHCPF, integrating financing and private sector involvement.
Isokpunwu outlined additional components, such as an Industrialisation Fund, Vulnerable Group Fund, and a Medical and Public Health Emergencies Fund.
Mrs Moji Makanjuola, Chair of the Nigeria UHC Forum, emphasised Nigeria’s potential to lead in confronting pandemics and making accelerated progress towards UHC. She urged the government to consider establishing an inter-ministerial committee on innovative financing for health.
Dr Pamela Ajayi, President of Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, stressed the need for public-private integration, emphasising the private sector’s potential to bring funding and ability to the country’s health system.
The UHC2023 panel discussed optimising available funds, addressing inefficiencies, and establishing mechanisms for mobilising additional resources.
The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss evolving health and social welfare policy priorities, fostering consensus on implementing solutions to challenges within the health system. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vincent Obi
