President Bola Tinubu has declared the prioritization and improvement of Nigeria’s health sector through massive investments and increased funds in the proposed 2024 budget. The announcement was made during the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by the federal government, state governments, and development partners in Abuja on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of delivering improved quality health as a fundamental factor in his promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. He stated that health is back on the front burner, and the event marked an opportunity for collective reflection and action to achieve the goal of health for all.
To build a resilient, integrated healthcare system, Tinubu announced plans for a comprehensive revamp of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers starting from 2024. He mentioned redesigning the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance access to essential healthcare services and address the high cost of healthcare. The BHCPF is expected to receive at least $2.5 billion in pooled and non-pooled financing from 2024 to 2026 to improve the primary health system nationwide.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, outlined key policy actions, including doubling the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and linking them to a comprehensive emergency care system. He also announced plans for transparent reporting and a mechanism for the pooled procurement of critical pharmaceuticals in 2024.
The increased allocation in the proposed 2024 budget for the health and social welfare sectors demonstrates the political will of the Tinubu administration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve the health of Nigerians. Prof. Pate also highlighted the plan to unlock the healthcare value chain, with Nigeria manufacturing an increasing share of generic drugs, medical devices, and vaccines to reduce dependency on external markets.