Coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said the federal government has disbursed N32.9 billion to all states and primary healthcare centres, in the third round this year, under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The funds, approved by the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) and guided by the newly launched BHCPF 2.0 Guidelines, aim to improve the quality of health services delivered to Nigerians by supporting facility operations, providing stipends for health workers, and expanding access to care.
During Wednesday’s 3rd Quarter MOC Meeting in Abuja, Prof. Pate emphasised that the new guidelines mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that a Joint Task Force, working closely with the ICPC, had been activated to ensure transparency and accountability in using the funds at the community level.
The minister commended state governors, commissioners for health, and development partners for their continued collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
Highlighting the steady progress in healthcare delivery, Prof. Pate revealed that more than 21 million Nigerians are now covered by health insurance, with over 11,000 pregnant women receiving emergency medical treatment, 15,000 women accessing obstetric care, and half a million pregnant women covered for maternal services through the BHCPF.
He added that over 80 million visits were recorded at primary healthcare centres in the first two quarters of 2025, a fourfold increase compared to 2023, reflecting the growing public confidence in the system.
The minister also revealed that a Mini Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) will be commissioned to provide updated data in 2026, helping the government assess progress in maternal and child health outcomes. Preliminary data show a 12 per cent reduction in maternal mortality compared to 2023, signalling that reforms and investments are beginning to yield results.
