The Federal Government, along with 36 states’ governments and development partners, are to sign the Health Sector Renewal Compact, aimed at channelling resources to fund the primary system in order to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.

Under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the government will overhaul and increase functional primary healthcare centres across the country from the current 8000 to 17000 within the next four years.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, who disclosed this yesterday evening at the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Policy Dialogue with the theme ‘Health for All: Time for Action’, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria UHC Forum, stated that Nigeria is committed to universal health coverage.

He added that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deliver equitable, affordable and optimal health services to Nigerians.

According to him, the compact, which would be signed with the state governments, is a sector-wide programme that is part of the President’s agenda to ensure the actualization of the UHC and better health for all Nigerians.

The Minister stated that the initiative will leverage the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in partnership with state governments and development partners in a transformational sector-wide approach programme to improve health outcomes and ensure the training of additional human resources for health.

Pate noted that the attainment of UHC requires a multisector, whole-of-government approach.

“Further to this, the government of Nigeria has articulated the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) to advance the nation’s journey towards UHC. The initiative comprises the Basic Healthcare Provision and the Nigeria healthcare industrialization programme.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, observed that strengthening primary healthcare was a crucial step towards building a sustainable healthcare system that can effectively respond to the healthcare needs of the population.

Aina said this would contribute to the overall development and well-being of Nigerians.

He added that the successful implementation of NHSRII by PHC can significantly contribute to achieving UHC in the country, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.

According to him, the federal government intends to double the number of PHC facilities receiving funding from the current 8,000 to 17,000 within the next four years.

Aina also disclosed that health workers recently employed under the Expanded Midwives Service Scheme (eMSS) were currently receiving payment, with the process still ongoing.

He emphasised the agency’s acknowledgment of the health workers’ dedication amid challenges. He also assured health workers that their salaries were a top priority for the administration.

“We have initiated the payment process, including a three-month arrear. Payments for outstanding salaries in August, September and October are underway. For those awaiting payment, we advise patience as the process continues, he stated.

Explaining the delays, he outlined the necessary steps taken before initiating salary payments, including documentation verification, orientation on roles and responsibilities, and the uploading of bank details on the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) platform.

The NPHCDA boss acknowledged interruptions in the process due to errors in the account details of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) or mismatches between names and account numbers.

“Rectifying these errors took time, mainly because SBAs did not adhere to timelines for responding to the issues. However, all health workers with correct details have now received their salaries,” he clarified.

He expressed the agency’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with the government’s promise to provide quality healthcare for all.