FG Sets To Release N50b For Healthcare Fund

Federal Government is set to release Fifty Billion Naira as the first tranch for the Basic Healthcare Fund.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor, Ali Mohammed Pate who made this known in Abuja at the third Ministerial news conference initiated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said the money released was a significant increase from previous years to enhance activities of primary health care services across the country.

Prof Pate explained that infusion of the funds to the health sector would go a long way to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens.

Mohammed-Pate said to also address Lassa fever and other outbreaks the government had introduced vaccines to prevent unforeseen outbreaks of disease in the country.

He said the ministry would not hesitate to sanction any health facility jeopardizing efficient service delivery especially at the tertiary health care centers across Nigeria as the ministers of health would visit the centers unannounced to oversee healthcare services.

According to the minister, “Recognizing the importance of strategic planning and preparedness, we have developed a robust distribution plan for Lassa fever commodities. This plan ensures the timely and equitable distribution of resources to states and treatment centers based on their specific needs and vulnerability. Additionally, prepositioning of commodities has been undertaken to facilitate swift response and minimize logistical challenges during outbreaks.”

Earlier the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris stressed that the president will leave no stone unturned to ensure the well being of Nigerians is prioritized as the president had also given a directive for the design of a Social Security Unemployment Programme to cater for the unemployed graduates as well as the setting up of a Social Consumer Credit Scheme to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians, as they make adjustments in view of the temporary economic hardship.

In his words, “The whole idea is that government wants to reduce cost and also improve efficiency in service delivery. It does not mean that government is out to retrench workers or throw people into the labour market,” he said.

Idris who also allayed fears of job losses in the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which seeks to rationalise government agencies and parastatals said the implementation of the report, which has been on the shelf for about 11 years, is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fiscal prudence and responsible governance by championing a comprehensive review of government‘s commissions, agencies, and parastatals.

“Through the implementation of Oronsaye’s Report, President Tinubu aims to achieve significant cost savings by eliminating duplication of functions, streamlining administrative processes, and optimizing resource allocation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation added that this proactive approach will enable government to operate more efficiently while maintaining the quality and delivery of services to the Nigerian people.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji