.To increase functional PHCs to 17,000 in four years

Federal Government, 36 state governments and development partners are to sign Health Sector Renewal pact, aimed at channeling 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, government will overhaul and increase functional Primary Healthcare Centres across the country from the current 8,000 to 17,000 within the next four years.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, who disclosed this, yesterday, evening at 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 in Abuja, said Nigeria is committed to Universal Health Coverage, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deliver equitable, affordable and optimal health services to Nigerians.

He explained that the pact, which would be signed with the state governments, is a sector-wide programme reflecting President’s agenda to ensure the actualisation of the UHC and better health for all Nigerians.

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