President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to enhance funding for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) throughout Nigeria, increasing the number of facilities supported to 13,500, backed by an investment exceeding N98 billion.
During the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Health Convention and Roundtable 1.0 held in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the importance of a healthy populace for national productivity, security, and economic growth. He made the declaration while being represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Emphasizing the connection between health and prosperity, Tinubu pointed out that the operational expenses of more than 8,300 PHCs across Nigeria have been met through funds allocated via the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
He highlighted that the federal government allocated substantial funds the previous year aimed at accelerating primary healthcare services nationwide, which he described as one of the largest single-year investments in grassroots health initiatives in recent history.
Additionally, the President disclosed that the funding framework is being extended to include an extra 5,212 facilities, which will improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Tinubu noted that these funds had already facilitated the upgrade of 2,565 centres, with 1,456 PHCs currently undergoing renovation.
He outlined that the upgraded facilities now offer 24-hour services, staffed by trained health professionals and equipped with essential medicines, medical supplies, and stable utilities such as power and water.
Tinubu stated: “We have fortified the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and have consistently provided quarterly allocations to PHCs, disbursing over N98 billion to support operational costs for more than 8,300 facilities last year.
“We are also expanding this crucial sustainable domestic financing initiative to incorporate an additional 5,212 primary healthcare centres, elevating the total to over 13,500 facilities. Furthermore, we have broadened health insurance coverage, extending it to over 10 million vulnerable individuals.
“In 2023, I tasked the Minister of Health with retraining 120,000 primary healthcare workers over a four-year period to equip them with the skills needed for high-quality healthcare delivery, enabling them to compete with their global peers.
“To date, more than 78,000 frontline health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), and Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEWs) have received training within just two years.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to a comprehensive reform of the health sector, affirming that quality healthcare delivery remains a key component of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President also reported progress on the Maternal Mortality and Newborn Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which tracks pregnant women in 172 local government areas with high burden rates. He revealed that over 100,000 pregnant women have been connected to health facilities for antenatal and postnatal services, with free emergency maternal and newborn care provided where necessary.
Tinubu urged governors and legislators from the APC to align with federal health reforms and increase health budget allocations to meet the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark. He also emphasized the need for the proper functioning of primary and secondary health facilities, enhanced state health insurance schemes, and the publication of measurable health performance reports annually.
Additionally, he called on the private sector, development partners, traditional leaders, and faith organizations to collaborate with the government in providing accessible and affordable healthcare services.
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