FG
FG Enrolls Clients Under BHCPF in Osun
The Federal Government has flagged off the enrolment of clients
under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Osogbo, State
of Osun.
The epoch making event, held yesterday at the Primary Health
Care Centre, Isale-Agbara, Osogbo, is a key component of the
National Health Act which aims at extending Primary Healthcare
(PHC) to all Nigerians by substantially increasing the level of
financial resources to PHC services.
Speaking at the Launch, the Minister of Health, Professor
Isaac Adewole, said that the BHCPF program, also known
as Huwe was a signature program of President
Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.
More so, it was the believe of the Present Administration that,
the Nation’s success depended on its ability to transform non –
renewable natural capital into productive wealth by investing more
in human capital to ensure their general wellbeing.
In view of this, Adewole stated that Federal
government had resolved to tackle poverty, poor health outcomes,
literacy and governance challenges that threatened National
development.
He further informed that 70% of total health expenditure in
Nigeria was borne out of pocket.
This, the Minister regretted was far higher than the globally
acceptable rate of 30-40% and as such, a barrier to accessing
health care.
Professor Adewole maintained that the flag-off
of Huwe was an indication that President
Buhari was committed to reversing the ugly situation and
promoting shared prosperity among the populace. ‘The tide will
change” he assured.
He also said that to ensure equity in the disbursement of funds
for the programme, resources were allocated to States based on
their indices of poverty and also on per capital basis.
This guaranteed that BHCPF would help reduce inequality in use
and access to healthcare services, particularly by the most
vulnerable.
The Minister also mentioned that the programme would also be
flagged off in three more States earlier announced with immediate
roll out in 17 other States and FCT who had indicated interest.
Speaking earlier, the elated Executive Governor, State of
Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said that the roll out of
the programme in the State was a proof of Federal government’s
recognition of Human capital as a foundation for the overall growth
and development of the nation and its commitment to the achievement
of Universal Health Coverage as contained in target eight (8) of
Sustainable Development Goals three (3).
He pledged to constitute the State Health Care Development Board
(SPHCDB) and be transparent in the execution of the programme,
according to the HUWE requirements.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Government, State
of Osun, Omooba ‘Wole Oyebamiji, commended the Federal
Government for appropriating 1% of the Consolidated Revenue to the
BHCPF. He further appealed for speedy release and disbursement of
the Funds to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and
sustainability of the laudable programme.
Representatives of the World Health Organisation, Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, National Primary Health Care Development
Agency, National Health Insurance Scheme, Society of Gynaecology
and Obstetrics of Nigeria, other Development partners and Civil
Society Organizations gave their goodwill messages at the
occasion.