Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The objectives of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund are to:

  1. Improve access to quality and essential primary health care services for all Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
  2. Strengthen Nigeria’s health system by ensuring adequate financing and efficient management of resources at all levels.
  3. Reduce financial hardship faced by Nigerians through decreased out-of-pocket spending on health care.
  4. Promote equity and efficiency in health care delivery across states and communities.
  5. Contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improved health outcomes nationwide.

The BHCPF is managed under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) through a Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC). It is implemented through four gateways:

  • NPHCDA Gateway: Focused on Primary Health Care revitalization and service delivery.
  • NHIA Gateway: Focused on providing health insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable.
  • NCDC Gateway: Focused on emergency preparedness, response, and health security.
  • State and LGA Gateways: For state-level coordination and accountability.

BHCPF was officially launched in 2019 as one of the key pillars of the health financing reforms in Nigeria.

Access and Eligibility

You can visit any accredited Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) in your community. These facilities display the BHCPF logo and provide a range of essential services free or at minimal cost.

Services include:

  • Antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care
  • Child immunization and nutrition services
  • Malaria treatment
  • Family planning and reproductive health services
  • Minor illness treatment and health promotion activities

Funding and Implementation

Funds flow directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the implementing gateways; NPHCDA, NHIA, and NCDC and then to state and facility accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

States are required to:

  • Establish a State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS)
  • Set up a State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB)
  • Provide counterpart funding
  • Ensure transparent fund management and reporting

Local Governments help coordinate PHC activities and community mobilization.

Accountability and Monitoring

Citizens can report issues through:

  • The BHCPF Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)
  • State Health Insurance Agencies or SPHCBs
  • The official BHCPF website contact form or email channels

Community Health Committees and CSOs play an active role in monitoring PHC performance, creating awareness, and ensuring accountability.

Impact and Progress

By reducing financial barriers, expanding access to essential services, and revitalizing PHCs across the country, BHCPF is helping Nigerians live healthier and more productive lives.

Partners and Collaboration

Organizations can partner through:

  • Advocacy and awareness campaigns
  • Monitoring and evaluation activities
  • Capacity building and community engagement initiatives

Details are available in the “Partner with Us” section of the website.

Contact and Feedback

You can submit feedback or stories of how your State Primary Health Care Board or State Health Insurance Agency BHCPF has impacted your community through the website feedback form or official email channels listed on the Contact page.