The Federal Government has approved the release of N32.8 billion to states under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the second quarter of 2026 to improve primary healthcare services, health insurance, emergency medical care and disease outbreak preparedness nationwide.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approval after the 15th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
According to the minister, the latest disbursement is aimed at sustaining ongoing reforms in the health sector and strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
Pate revealed that out of the N339 billion released through the BHCPF over the past 12 years, N235 billion was disbursed within the last three years under the current administration, reflecting increased investment in the nation’s healthcare system.
He explined that more than 1,000 primary healthcare centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory receive quarterly funding through the programme to support essential healthcare services, health insurance, emergency response and disease control.
The minister said the intervention has improved access to healthcare, with over 130,000 Nigerians benefiting from emergency medical services financed through the fund.
He added that 35 states have established emergency medical service systems, while Benue and Imo states currently depend on federal health institutions for such services.
On disease surveillance, Pate stated that the fund has strengthened the capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks across the country.
He also disclosed that emergency funds were recently released to all 36 states to enhance preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following outbreaks reported in parts of Africa, although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case.
The minister further revealed that more than 3,000 primary healthcare centres have been upgraded to Level 2 standards, while nearly 1,000 additional facilities are undergoing rehabilitation.
He urged state and local governments to fulfil their counterpart funding obligations, noting that contributions of 25 percent from states and 15 percent from local governments would significantly increase available healthcare funding.
Pate also said health insurance coverage has expanded considerably, with more than six million Nigerians enrolled over the past three years.
Additionally, he disclosed that over 48,000 women have received free comprehensive emergency obstetric care, including cesarean sections, while 207 health facilities now provide free fistula treatment. According to him, 4,771 women have successfully undergone fistula repair and reintegration, with another 2,900 women benefiting through bilateral support programmes.
