Nov. 26, 2024

Local government chairmen from the 774 council areas nationwide have jointly pledged to contribute 25 per cent of the counterpart funding required for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Mr Bello Lawal, the National President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

BHCPF is a Federal Government initiative established under the National Health Act to improve access to primary healthcare services.

The BHCPF aims to provide Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) to all Nigerians, strengthen the Primary Healthcare System and provide Emergency Medical Treatment.

The funding for BHCPF is derived from various sources, including an annual grant from the Federal Government, grants from international donor partners, and funds from public or private sector sources.

States are also required to contribute 25 per cent of the NHIS-disbursed funds as counterpart funding.

According to Lawal, BHCPF is expected to help in the implementation of ALGON’s Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Programme (APH-ROP), designed to strengthen primary healthcare services across the country.

He said that the commitment aligned with ALGON’s vision of repositioning primary healthcare as the entry point for achieving local government autonomy and improving health outcomes.

He added that “under the APH-ROP, ALGON aims to mobilise resources, establish strategic partnerships and operationalise a digitised healthcare system linked to the National Health Data System to track health trends, patterns and progress across Nigeria.”

He applauded the commitment, saying “BHCPF is pivotal to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With the support of local governments, we can ensure that essential services reach underserved communities nationwide.

“This initiative showcases local governments’ leadership and their strategic role in healthcare service delivery.

“The APH-ROP will prioritise health expenditure, provide technical support for local government areas and enhance accountability to ensure value-for-money investments.”

Lawal also said that the APH-ROP blueprint highlighted a multi-dimensional approach, including resource mobilisation and accountability, ensuring efficient use of funds through needs assessment and alignment with Annual Operating Plans.

Dr Bolanle Olusola-Faleye, the Chief of Party at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS),
expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential.

She said that it would help to reduce maternal and child mortality and strengthen healthcare service delivery nationwide.

She, however, stressed the importance of monitoring, sustainability and a focus on equity to ensure no community is left behind.

She added that “the implementation phase is expected to begin next year, with ALGON and other partners working collaboratively to establish governance frameworks, enhance human resource capacity and drive community-based advocacy.

“This landmark commitment sets a new standard for local government’s involvement in healthcare transformation in Nigeria.”(NAN)