The Federal Government has disbursed over N20 billion to 4,362 primary health care centres across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory over a two-year period. The funding was facilitated through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the intervention has significantly improved access to essential health services in underserved communities. He explained that in addition to the support given to primary health centres, 274 separate health projects have been carried out across 35 tertiary hospitals in the region, which collectively served more than 4.5 million outpatients and 1.6 million inpatients during the period under review.
The disbursement forms a critical part of the government’s health sector renewal plan, focusing on improving service delivery at the community level, strengthening health infrastructure, and expanding access to basic health services. The fund supports facilities through grants for operations, provision of essential drugs, medical equipment, and capacity building for healthcare workers.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing primary care outcomes, reducing the burden on tertiary facilities, and moving the country closer to achieving universal health coverage. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that health care remains affordable and accessible, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
