The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has been officially launched in Abia State by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The programme aims at extending Primary Health Care (PHC) to all Nigerians free of charge.
To be eligible to participate from BHCPF, states are expected to contribute counterpart funding as well as establish State Social Health Insurance Agency.
Speaking at the event held at the Apumiri Ubakala Primary Healthcare Centre, the Minister for Health, Prof Isaac Adewole,commended Governor Ikpeazu for blazing the trail and keying into the Federal Government Project.
“You were the first Governor to show interest in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. As of today, there are still governors who have not shown interest in the programme. I must thank you for blazing the trail,you are a trailblazer”.
The Health Minister described the BHCPF programme as people oriented,aimed at re-orientating the Nigerian Healthcare system,which he said had become dysfunctional over the years.
Adewole disclosed that the programme will feature ,Free Antenatal care for pregnant women, Delivery (including CS), Immunization,treatment of malaria, family planning and screening for diabetes and hypertension adding that children under five years will equally receive free treatment for diseases such as measles, pneumonia, dysentery and malnutrition among others.
According to him,the BHCPF is funded by the federal government in partnership with other development partners.
“This project is funded by the Federal Government Allocation of 55 billion with support from the World Bank to the tune of 20 million dollars as well as support from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to the tune of 2 million dollars “.
He further disclosed that a total sum of one billion naira will be released in the next nine months for the programme which will be channeled to three hundred and thirty two Primary Health care centers in the state.
While congratulating Abians for the opportunity to benefit from the programme, the Minister urged them to embrace it as it has come to stay.
Governor Ikpeazu while officially launching the programme said his administration is committed in primary health care delivery across the state adding that his government will join forces with the Federal government and other relevant agencies to buffer the cost of health care delivery to the vulnerable.
He regretted that in spite of the efforts of the government in providing quality health care services for the people, they resort to spending huge sums of money for same unaware of the availability of such services and appealled to stakeholders to create awareness in the nooks and crannies of the state.
The Governor cautioned the medical personnel in charge of the programme not to misappropriate funds and facilities targeted for the good of the poor and needy in the society.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna in his speech, said the scheme will reduce out of pocket charges in assessing healthcare aND reiterated that persons who enrol in the programme will receive qualitative health care services free of charge.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also flagged off the Abia Electronic Hospital Information Management System as well as Commissioned the Ultra Modern Pathology Building at Abia Specialist Hospital, Amachara.
