The Nigerian Federal Government has approved ₦32 billion to boost primary healthcare services, emergency treatment, and disease control nationwide. This was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, following the 10th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in Abuja. The funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and over 8,000 primary healthcare centers, focusing on vulnerable populations, including women and children. It will also support the national ambulance scheme, emergency care, and strengthen the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Despite facing a funding gap, with only $2 million secured from international donors, Prof. Pate assured the public that essential treatments for diseases like TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS would continue. He also emphasized the need to accelerate procurement using domestic resources and possibly source supplies from countries with similar economic conditions. Additionally, a revised guideline for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was approved to ensure a more equitable distribution of healthcare funding.
