FG Boosts Basic Healthcare Funding, Approves N40.76bn for Q3

The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N40.76 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the third quarter of 2026 to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on the BHCPF.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the latest allocation represents an increase of N7.88 billion from the N32.88 billion approved for the second quarter.

Pate said the increased funding demonstrated the government’s commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services, particularly for poor, vulnerable and underserved Nigerians.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

The minister explained that the approved funds would be distributed through four designated gateways to support health insurance, primary healthcare delivery, emergency medical services and disease control.

Under the allocation, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will receive N19.87 billion, while the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) will get N18.34 billion.

The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) is allocated N2.04 billion, while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) will receive N509.48 million.

Pate also disclosed that monthly statutory contributions to the fund had risen significantly, increasing from approximately N8.95 billion to N13.08 billion and subsequently to N20.43 billion.

He, however, stressed that the increased funding must result in improved healthcare services and measurable benefits for Nigerians.

“The increased financing must translate into timely disbursement, transparent financial management and improved health outcomes,” the minister said.

The committee also approved plans to extend health insurance coverage to approximately 90,000 inmates in correctional facilities nationwide through the NHIA.

According to the statement, the initiative will be implemented with appropriate safeguards and regular reporting, while inmates already covered by state health insurance schemes will be excluded.

In another development, the committee approved measures to improve access to essential medicines through changes to the NPHCDA funding gateway, including pooled procurement via MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national group purchasing organisation.

Pate said the arrangement would incorporate pricing benchmarks, value-for-money safeguards and supply-chain monitoring to promote transparency, ensure quality and improve the availability of essential medical supplies.

The minister further announced plans to expand the number of primary healthcare centres benefiting from the BHCPF from 8,309 to 13,521 nationwide.

He said the expansion would bring an additional 5,212 primary healthcare centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the programme.

The committee also considered a phased financing arrangement to assist states in recruiting and gradually absorbing skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

On delays in the release of funds to health facilities, Pate said the committee had resolved to establish a subcommittee to investigate bottlenecks affecting the movement of funds through the designated gateways, states and local government areas.

“The subcommittee is expected to report within six weeks,” he said.

He added that the committee had directed that letters be sent to state governors outlining the financial requirements needed to enable the NCDC to respond effectively to disease outbreaks.

On accountability, the minister said the Federal Government would collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor health sector funding and prevent the diversion or misapplication of resources.

He emphasised that improved funding must be matched with effective oversight, transparency and efficient implementation to ensure that the BHCPF delivers better healthcare outcomes for Nigerians.