Posted on: Sat 14-01-2017

With a global push for sustainable development and a convergence of thoughts on the need for countries to move towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030, Nigeria is committed to increasing access and use of good quality basic health care services and reducing out of pocket expenditure on health.

The compelling need for health systems reform and decades of advocacy to re-awaken government’s responsiveness to the health needs of the people culminated in the enactment of the National Health Act in 2014. The Act provides a legal framework for the provision of health care services and establishes an organizational and management structure for the health system in Nigeria. To achieve this important objective of providing quality healthcare services to all Nigerians, the Act specifies that all Nigerians shall be entitled to a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which was established under Section 11 of the National Health Act, creates the fiscal space for funding the BMPHS. The BHCPF would be financed from:

(a) Federal Government Annual Grant of not less than 1% of Consolidated Revenue Fund

(b) Grants from International Partners

(c) Funds from any other source

To ensure judicious use of the funds, the BHCPF guidelines have been developed. The Guidelines define the basis for Administration, Disbursement, Monitoring and Financial Management of the BHCPF. They set out the processes to be applied and the responsibilities of various stakeholders. The BHCPF will: (i) pay for BMPHS through the NHIS; (ii) provide operating budgets to PHC centers (PHCC’s) via electronic transfer; and (iii) set aside a small portion for dealing with emergencies, including disease outbreaks and road traffic accidents.

A management secretariat that comprises representatives of a diverse set of stakeholders including states, civil society, private providers, development partners, National Health Insurance Scheme, and National Primary Health Care Development Agency will provide oversight for the BHCPF.

These guidelines have been painstakingly articulated and employ innovative public and private sector led processes. I have the strong conviction that results from the successful implementation of the provisions of the guidelines will no doubt set Nigeria on track towards accelerating Universal Health Coverage. This document will be regularly reviewed in line with emerging clinical and fiscal developments including best practices that will emerge from its implementation. It is therefore my desire that all actors in the health sector adequately support the implementation of the guidelines for the benefit of every Nigerian.

I therefore recommend the guidelines to all stakeholders for appropriate Implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD: Harmonized Guidelines for Administration, Disbursement, Monitoring & Fund Management of the BHCPF

Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, FAS, FSPSP, FRCOG, DSc (Hons)

Honorable Minister of Health

January, 2017

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