Primary Healthcare: FCT, 36 States To Share $1.5m FG Fund

The Federal Government says it has concluded plans to disburse $1.5 million each to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for the financing of primary healthcare system.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, made the declaration on Monday at the presentation of the National Healthcare Plan to officials of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Abuja.

Professor Adewole said that the neglect of the primary healthcare system was a major problem in the sector.

He also lamented that only 20% of Nigeria’s 30,000 primary healthcare facilities were working.

The Minister consequently outlined governments’ plans to revitalise the health sector including cash disbursement to states to finance primary healthcare.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Amina Shamaki, solicited for WHO’s financial and technical support.

The Regional Director of WHO for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca, assured the government of the organisation’s support.

She also urged the government to encourage healthcare practitioners to stay in communities where primary healthcare facilities are situated.