FG Disburses N32.9bn to States and PHCs to Expand Healthcare Access

The Federal Government has disbursed N32.9 billion to all states and primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across Nigeria, the third round of funding this year, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, announced in Abuja. The funds were released through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) under the newly launched BHCPF 2.0 Guidelines, aimed at improving health service delivery, supporting facility operations, providing stipends for health workers, and expanding access to care.

Prof Pate said a joint task force is collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilization. He commended state governors, health commissioners, and development partners for their continued support in strengthening primary healthcare.

Highlighting public confidence in the system, the minister disclosed that over 80 million visits were recorded at PHCs during the first two quarters of 2025, a fourfold increase compared to 2023. He also revealed plans to commission a mini demographic and health survey in 2026 to update maternal and child health data and assess progress.

Prof Pate further reported significant gains from the ongoing integrated immunisation campaign targeting 106 million children aged 0–14 against measles, rubella, polio, and neglected tropical diseases, noting over 92 percent uptake in northern states, surpassing initial targets.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale