Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement signed by a spokesperson for the ministry, Deworitshe Patricia.
The Minister, while reaffirming the unrelenting commitment of the Tinubu’s administration to transforming the healthcare system to attain Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) for Nigerians, the minister said health transformation, renewal and accessibility would be achieved with the approval of a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme (NHSRIP).
He stated that deliberating on the advancement of Nigeria’s primary healthcare delivery through SWAp, the assessment revealed the need for reforms in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) its programmes, operations, fiduciary system of accountability and public trust, adding that all states and Federal Capital Territory have committed to a remediation plan, pledging to improve health services for Nigerians.
The Minister explained that the guidelines would be revised to cover health services rendered to the indigent population while aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates, out-of-pocket payments and standardised healthcare quality across primary healthcare facilities.
“Recognising the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer guidelines, the Ministry and its development partners are committed to making healthcare services accessible to Nigerian women, children and for all citizens, especially those in the vulnerable groups.
“The goal, in line with NHSRIP is to reduce the necessity for patients to travel long distances for care thereby qualitatively and equitably improving the overall health and wellbeing of Nigerians”; he said.