A group, the Social Advancement Forum (SAF) has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare reforms.
The group noted that the administration’s focused interventions and policy concessions paved the way for more affordable medicines and improved health services for Nigerians.
In a communiqué issued by Mr Shehu Atta, the Chairman of SAF, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development, for their leadership and reforms in the health sector.
“We acknowledge that the government launched the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) in December 2023 and signed a pact with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“NHSRII has mobilised over 3 billion dollars in external funding, with significant domestic investments projected over the next four years,” said SAF.
The group said that in response to the rising cost of healthcare, the President announced a restructuring of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to expand access to essential services, which is in line with the National Health Act of 2014.
“The impact of these initiatives is especially visible in the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country as the President has since approved the establishment of over 8,800 new PHCs nationwide.
“The President also approved the upgrading of existing tertiary institutions to better handle trauma, oncology and infectious disease control.
“By the end of 2025, the expectations are that more than 2,100 PHCs are expected to be fully functional,” the group stated.
Atta noted that with improved funding and infrastructure, the PHCs soon began to deliver essential services, from immunisations to maternal and child healthcare.
The group also provided insight into efforts by the Tinubu administration to stem the tide of infectious diseases.
“Significant investments have been made in malaria prevention, treatment, and vaccination, aiming to eradicate one of the country’s deadliest diseases, particularly among children under five.
“We note that the authorities are engaged in strategic partnerships with the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Global Fund, the U.S. Government, and other stakeholders in efforts to advance the fight against tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,” said SAF.
According to SAF, sustainable financing has been a cornerstone of these reforms, saying that in 2023, the health sector budget increased by 41.5 per cent, rising from ₦826.9 billion (532 million dollars) in 2022 to ₦1.17 trillion (753 million dollars).
The group noted that the 2025 budget further increased healthcare funding by 58.5 per cent, from ₦1.62 trillion to ₦2.56 trillion.
“This financial boost has revitalised PHCs, expanded health insurance coverage, and strengthened the nation’s health security.
“Notably, over 2 million more Nigerians have enrolled in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the past year, bringing the total number of insured individuals to 19.2 million.
“The Medical Relief Programme ensures that vulnerable populations receive subsidies for essential services, eliminating financial hardship as a barrier to care,” SAF stated.
