The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to address critical health challenges and strengthen Nigeria’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system.
The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Muyi Aina, shared the priorities during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
He outlined the agency’s top three goals: improving PHC functionality and coverage, enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers, and implementing measures to reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates.
Mr. Aina announced plans to expand facilities under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 8,400 to 17,600 in the coming years.
These upgrades will include solar-powered 24-hour services, dignified infrastructure, and accommodation for healthcare workers.
“President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare by increasing the 2024 health sector budget to its highest level ever.
This funding will enable the revitalization of PHCs with improved infrastructure, essential medicines, and motivated staff,” Aina noted.
To mitigate the shortage of healthcare workers, the agency has launched a large-scale retraining initiative targeting 120,000 frontline health workers over four years.
So far, 43,000 workers have been trained. The agency is also focusing on retaining staff through better working environments, housing provisions, and incentives for those in rural areas.
Under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative, the agency is introducing free caesarean sections for eligible Nigerians and equipping PHCs to manage infectious and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.
Mr. Aina acknowledged past challenges such as poor funding and lack of coordination among stakeholders.
To address these issues, the Federal Ministry of Health has adopted a sector-wide approach to unify efforts and maximize resources.
The agency has also partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure transparency in fund management.
Health experts have commended the NPHCDA’s reforms, describing them as timely and transformative.
Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, hailed the expansion of BHCPF facilities but emphasized the need for consistent funding and effective management.
Maternal health specialist Amina Yusuf praised the free caesarean section initiative but stressed the importance of adequately equipping rural PHCs.
Health economist Ngozi Udochi highlighted the significance of increased healthcare funding, while advocating for regular audits and community involvement to ensure sustainability.
Global health advocate Fatima Bello applauded the agency’s partnership with anti-corruption bodies, emphasizing the importance of accountability, particularly in rural areas.
The NPHCDA’s reforms signal a new era for Nigeria’s healthcare system, with a focus on equitable access to quality services.
However, experts warn that the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.