Tinubu says health is back on front burner, unveils health investment plan

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritising Nigeria’s health through massive investments and increased funds to the sector in the proposed 2024 budget. 

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of Nigeria’s health sector renewal investment initiative and signing of the health renewal compact. 

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s media aide, the president said the gathering marked an opportunity for reflection on the reformation of Nigeria’s health sector.

The president announced plans for a comprehensive revamp of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers, starting in 2024.

“Delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That hope is ignited here today with the support of all multilateral partners and agencies; health is back on the front burner,” Ngelale quoted Tinubu as saying. 

“This occasion marks an opportunity for collective reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the noble pursuit of health for all. The theme for this year ‘Health for All: Time for Action’ encapsulates the urgency and the determination with which we must approach this noble goal. 

“Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas.”

To address the high cost of healthcare, Tinubu said the basic health care provision fund (BHCPF) would be redesigned to enhance access to essential healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act (2014). 

He said coordination and implementation of these initiatives will be non-partisan.

While highlighting several key policy actions of the administration in the health sector, Muhammad Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, explained that the BHCPF has been redesigned as the foundational basis for a sector-wide approach. 

He said the BHCPF, comprising at least one percent of the consolidated revenue fund, 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.

Pate outlined plans to double the number of fully functional primary healthcare centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 across all 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

The minister added that these PHCs would be linked to a comprehensive emergency care system.

Pate said the federal government would make resource allocation, releases, and results transparent to all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental partners, civil society organisations, and citizens.