FG Tackles 70% Out-of-pocket Payment for Health

• Buhari launches revitalisation of PHC programme

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

In its bid to ensure that Nigerians have access to medical care at affordable prices and at Primary Healthcare Centres close to their places of residence, President Muhammadu Buhari tuesday launched the revitalisation of primary healthcare programme, involving 10,000 healthcare centres nationwide, in Kuchigoro, FCT.

Also, in order to tackle over 70 per cent out-of-pocket expenditure for health, which he disclosed is more than the globally recommended 30-40 per cent, it is unfortunate that only less than 5 per cent of the total population is covered by any kind of health insurance or risk protection mechanism which is against the recommended 90 per cent coverage by the World Health Organisation.

In his address, President Buhari said the revitalisation of the PHCs is apt and needful, as it will reverse the unsatisfactory situation and better care for the poor and needy which will signal the revitalisation of the first 109 Primary Health Care facilities across the 36 states and the FCT.”

He assured that the federal government will focus more on people living in the rural areas and the vulnerable population in the society such as women, children under 5years of age and the elderly in collaboration with national and international partners.

“I am aware that out-of-pocket payment for health constitute over 70 per cent of total health expenditure. This is more than the globally recommended 30-40 per cent. However, only less than 5 per cent of the total population is covered by any kind of health insurance or risk protection mechanism which is against the recommended 90 per cent coverage by the World Health Organisation. Our vision is to reverse this unsatisfactory situation and better care for the poor and needy.”

“We have commenced the revitalisation of one Primary Health Care Centre in each senatorial zone in the country. Our vision is to revitalise 10,000 Primary Health Care Facilities in Nigeria using a phased approach. The first phase of this approach is what we are flagging off today. It will signal the revitalisation of the first 109 Primary Health Care facilities across the 36 states and the FCT.”

“Kuchigoro Primary Health Care Centre has been renovated as a model primary health care centre where quality health care services will be obtained at little or no cost to the beneficiaries.”

”I want to assure Nigerians that government will continue to ensure that great numbers of Nigerians have access to quality basic health care services. Accordingly, the provision in the National Health Act, 2014 for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund is in the process of being implemented. I also assure my fello countrymen and women that our Administration will fulfill all the promises made to the people.”

“The provision of quality health care service will reverse the poor health indices in the country. I am hopeful that our women will no more be dying needlessly during childbirth; our children will no more be dying needlessly as a result of vaccine preventable diseases or common ailment; access to health care will not be limited because of lack of money to pay.”

“Our Government has also through the Saving One Million Lives Initiative, provided 1.5 Million USD to each state government and FCT to ensure quality health care to women and children.”