By Okechukwu Jombo
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district has lauded ongoing efforts by Federal Government to disburse N50 billion to Primary Healthcare Centres in the first quarter of 2024.
Recall Senator Natasha has been vocal in advocating for an improved primary healthcare system in the country, especially in the rural areas where there are more women vulnerable to child mortality.
Last month, the Kogi lawmaker during an interactive session by the Senate Committee on Health with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, supported plans by the federal government to ensure that some of the dilapidated PHCs in the country are resuscitated, as well as increasing their numbers, and focusing on child maternal care.
During plenary, she highlighted the urgent need to enhance primary healthcare facilities in Kogi Central.
She promised to work closely with the ministry to ensure the success of revamping the primary healthcare sector in the country.
In latest development, the Health Minister said the federal government is set to expand the primary healthcare centres from 8,000 to 17,000 facilities to enroll more vulnerable Nigerians for enhanced access to quality healthcare services.
He further noted the funds already accrued in the Basic Health Provision Fund (BHCPF), would be channeled through state PHC facilities to provide essential services to women and children.
He disclosed this during the fifth Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting held in Abuja.
“In the first quarter of 2024, at least N50b, which has already accrued in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
“We expect that to be disbursed through the State’s primary health care facilities to deliver services to women and children.
“That is part of the target that Mr President has set for us so that we can expand the facilities over the next four years from 8,000 to almost 17,000 healthcare centers but also to enroll more vulnerable Nigerians to have access to quality healthcare services,” the minister disclosed.
