18 States Rank Poorly On Health Systems Indicators — Report
A recent report from The ONE Campaign, National Advocates for Health, Nigeria Health Watch, Public & Private Development Centre (PPDC), and other partners has revealed that health systems in 18 Nigerian states are weak, resulting in poor healthcare service delivery, especially in public facilities.
The report, which was released at a stakeholder event on Tuesday in Abuja, provides an in-depth and systemic review of the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) compliance of the states with the National Health Act and National Health Policy.
It also provides a ranking of health system performance that reveals the state of primary healthcare delivery across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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The research also makes recommendations for how state governments should improve the BHCPF’s current implementation, reinforce their vulnerable health systems, and raise strategic and operational planning for health in order to increase access to and consumption of primary healthcare services.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was created in 2014 by the National Health Act to address budget shortages impeding the effective delivery of primary healthcare nationwide.
It is made to facilitate the effective provision of primary healthcare services, the provision of a basic minimum set of health services (BMPHS), and the provision of emergency medical treatment (EMT) to all Nigerians.
Unveiling the report, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe said there is the need for continuous oversight to ensure that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) works for Nigerians.
Also, the Chairman of National Advocates for Health Group, Hon. Muhammad Usman, called on the government to provide the required leadership to ensure that primary healthcare is improved across the country.
According to him, “The Federal Government must ensure timely release of funds allocated for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and effective utilization of the same at the sub-national level to improve primary health care performance nationwide.”
