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.
