Federal Government Bolsters Healthcare Workforce and Access to Primary Care

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the recruitment of 2,497 healthcare professionals, including doctors, midwives/nurses, and community health extension workers, over the past six months. This initiative aims to address the manpower gap in the health sector exacerbated by the emigration of skilled health workers.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed this development during a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Additionally, he highlighted that 1,400 health facilities now have skilled birth attendants, resulting in a significant increase in health facility deliveries, reaching up to 230,000 deliveries per month.

Furthermore, Prof Pate announced the release of N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). The BHCPF serves as a catalytic fund aimed at enhancing access to primary healthcare services across Nigeria. This injection of funds is anticipated to revitalize primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.

Addressing concerns over the rising cost of pharmaceuticals, the Minister emphasized decisive action by the federal government. An executive order is slated to be issued to mitigate escalating drug prices in the short term. Additionally, a mid to long-term strategy involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.