Nigeria Targets Revival of 17,000 Primary Heathcare Centres

*To unveil investment initiative

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Federal government said it plans to improve facilities at 17,000 primary health care centers across the country.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which state this, also said it’s set to unveil the National Investment Initiative towards the attainment of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in the country.
The initiative to actualize this initiative will be signed in Abuja by the Federal, State governments and development partners on UHC day December 12, 2023.
The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Development, Prof. Ali Pate,
disclosed this at the pre- event press briefing with journalist in Abuja on Monday.
Pate who spoke on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and its significance in achieving UHC for Nigeria said that the country was committed to achieving the universal health coverage (UHC)
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to deliver equitable and optimal health outcomes for the nation.
“The quest to achieve UHC and better health for all Nigerians requires a multisector, whole-of-government approach.
“Further to this the Government of Nigeria has articulated NHSRII to advance the nation’s journey towards UHC, the Initiative comprises the Basic Healthcare Provision SWAp and the Nigeria healthcare industrialization programme,” he said.
The minister said that the NHSRII directly affects the poor population health outcomes, who are highly disadvantaged by inequitable and geospatial disparities.
He also said that the Inisitaive would leverage the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), in partnership work with state governments and development partners in a transformational sector wide approach program to improve health outcomes.
Pate said that the initiative will include plans to train additional human resources for health and make available at least 17,000 functional public Primary healthcare centers.
“The commitment to expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and increasing the number of primary health care centers, aligning with the National Health Act’s objectives.
“The comprehensive strategy outlined involves assessing existing facilities, improving infrastructure, ensuring a sufficient health workforce, and actively engaging local communities for feedback.
“The emphasis on reaching from 8,000 to more than 17,000 primary health care centers demonstrates a dedication to fulfilling the President’s vision for improved access to basic health care in Nigeria.
“The challenge of functionality in existing wards is acknowledged, and the commitment to addressing these concerns is evident in the strategy being implemented,” he said.
The minister said thatInitiative aimed to guide the renewal of Nigeria’s health system, part of the government’s broader health agenda.
According to him, the focus was to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, economic status, or employment, can access essential services for a healthy life without financial strain.
Also speaking, Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), said that
strengthening the primary healthcare was a crucial step towards building a sustainable healthcare system that can effectively respond to the healthcare needs of the population.