FG Disburses ₦32.9 Billion to Strengthen Primary Health Care Nationwide — Pate
By Enemona Samuel Endurance, The Bureau News
Updated: October 23, 2025 — WAT
The Federal Government of Nigeria has released ₦32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to boost primary healthcare services across the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development in a nationwide message titled “The Red Letter: A National Call to Protect Our Health”, delivered on Wednesday.
Funds Reach Health Facilities Directly
According to the minister, the funds have already been disbursed directly into the commercial bank accounts of primary health-care centres (PHCs) — marking the third round of BHCPF releases in 2025.
“This money is not sitting in Abuja,” Pate said. “It has already begun its journey into the accounts of PHCs in every ward across Nigeria. It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise.”
He explained that the disbursement is part of the government’s commitment to decentralizing healthcare resources, ensuring transparency, and bringing essential services closer to the people.
Pate Urges Nigerians to Monitor Health Fund Use
The minister called on citizens to take ownership of the health system by actively monitoring how the funds are used at community level.
“Stand up and take ownership. Go to your health facility. Join the committee. Review the plan. Demand openness. Celebrate progress. And above all, make sure the fund truly protects the health of your people,” Pate said.
Community Oversight Vital to Accountability
He emphasized that while the BHCPF represents renewed hope for Nigeria’s health sector, many communities have failed to track how funds are being utilized, allowing inefficiencies to persist.
“Too often, we have seen communities stand aside,” the minister said. “When money isn’t tracked, silence becomes a loss. Each naira in this ₦32.9 billion is a seed. When nurtured with vigilance, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved.”
He urged Nigerians to ensure that “The Red Letter” reaches every ward, reminding citizens that “the health of Nigeria lives in the hands of Nigerians.”
About the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)
The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act (2014), aims to strengthen primary healthcare by improving access and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens.
The fund is jointly managed by the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), with direct transfers to accredited PHC facilities.
Earlier in June, the government announced a similar disbursement of ₦32.88 billion to revamp more than 8,000 PHCs nationwide. In September, NPHCDA Executive Director Muyi Aina revealed that a cumulative ₦192 billion had been disbursed under the BHCPF to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria.
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