The Federal Government has initiated a comprehensive nationwide exercise to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). This strategic move aims to ensure that public health funds are properly utilized and deliver tangible results for all Nigerians.
Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms
The onboarding process for State Oversight Committees commenced with a South-West zonal meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday. According to Dr. Oritseweyimi Ogbe, Secretary of the Ministerial Oversight Committee at the Federal Ministry of Health, this initiative follows a direct directive from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate.
The Honourable Coordinating Minister has emphasized that the BHCPF must be driven by transparency, visibility, and accountability, Dr. Ogbe stated. Every naira spent must yield measurable results in health outcomes for our citizens.
Enhanced Monitoring Systems
The revised BHCPF Guideline 2.0 introduces robust monitoring mechanisms designed to prevent fund misuse and ensure proper accountability. Key features include:
- Appointment of performance and financial management officers across all local government areas
- Deployment of digital platforms for tracking disbursements in real-time
- Active involvement of civil society organizations in fund monitoring processes
Dr. Ogbe revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health has established a formal agreement with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen anti-corruption measures. The days of opaque disbursements are over, he emphasized.
Funding Distribution and Expansion Plans
The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act of 2014, receives funding from not less than one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The distribution occurs through four primary gateways:
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) - 45%
- State Health Insurance Agencies under NHIA - 48.25%
- Emergency Medical Treatment gateway
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) - 1.25%
Currently, 8,309 Primary Health Centres benefit from BHCPF support, with ambitious plans to expand coverage to 17,600 facilities by 2027 under the Presidential Commitment for Health initiative.
State-Level Implementation and Public Accountability
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, described BHCPF 2.0 as a transformative initiative that improves governance structures and accelerates healthcare service delivery. The Federal Coordinating Minister is simplifying bureaucratic processes so that approvals, requests, and annual operating plans can move faster, he explained.
Lagos State currently has 245 accredited PHCs under the BHCPF program and is actively working to upgrade additional facilities to ensure quality healthcare reaches every ward. The funding enables PHCs to enhance infrastructure, procure essential medical equipment, and strengthen emergency response capabilities for diseases like cholera and diphtheria.
To promote public transparency, details of fund disbursements are now regularly published in national newspapers and on ministry websites. Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach Coordination Office, confirmed that the Minister has directed full disclosure of BHCPF facilities and amounts disbursed since 2019, empowering citizens to demand accountability.
The government encourages Nigerians to actively monitor how BHCPF resources are utilized in their communities while recognizing states that demonstrate effective fund management. This renewed commitment aims to make affordable, quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians through a transparent and accountable system.
