THE BASIC HEALTH CARE PROVISION FUND (BHCPF)

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a vital component of Nigeria’s healthcare system, established under Section 11 of the National Health Act (NHAct) 2014. Its primary goal is to support the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) and enhance the overall financing of the health sector. 

What BHCPF Offers

BHCPF is an essential source of funding for healthcare with these key objectives:

• Providing Basic Health Services: BHCPF ensures that all Nigerians have access to a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) encompassing preventive, protective, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services.

• Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC): It concentrates on enhancing the Primary Health Care system by supplying essential drugs, vaccines, consumables, maintaining facilities, providing equipment and transport, and nurturing human resources for PHC.

• Allocating Resources for Emergency Medical Treatment: BHCPF dedicates resources to emergency medical treatment, addressing critical health needs promptly.

• Enhancing Public Health Security: A portion of BHCPF funding is earmarked for strengthening public health security through initiatives managed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

• Supporting Vulnerable Groups: The Vulnerable Group Fund (VGF), part of BHCPF, provides financial support to help vulnerable individuals afford healthcare services. Vulnerable groups in Nigeria include people with disabilities, prisoners, children under five, refugees, victims of human trafficking, internally displaced persons, immigrants, pregnant women, and more. 

Funding Sources

BHCPF is funded through diverse channels, including:

• Federal Government Grant: An annual grant from the Federal Government of Nigeria, constituting at least one percent (1%) of its Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

• International Donor Partners: Grants from international donor partners contribute significantly to BHCPF funding.

• Private Sector and Other Sources: BHCPF welcomes contributions from the private sector and other funding sources to augment its resources and impact.

The BHCPF aims to enhance Health Care Through Three Gateways:

1.  The National Health Authority (NHIA) Gateway: Helps poor Nigerians get health insurance to pay for important health services.

2. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Gateway: Ensures health facilities have enough money and staff to help people.

3. The National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) Gateway: Provides emergency ambulance services for those who need urgent help.

The NHIA Gateway: Strengthening Health Care Through Partnership

The NHIA gateway of the BHCPF plays a pivotal role in making healthcare accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. Here’s how:

1. Onboarding and Governance: The NHIA works with states to ensure proper funding and coverage for healthcare services. State Health Insurance Agencies purchase healthcare services from eligible providers based on agreed rates from the BHCPF.

2. Eligibility and Scope of Coverage: The BHCPF aims to provide the BMPHS for all Nigerians, prioritizing poor and vulnerable people. The benefit package includes a range of preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services.

3. Service Provision: Healthcare services are provided by registered primary and secondary healthcare facilities, both public and private. Enrollment and validation processes ensure that beneficiaries meet the eligibility criteria for accessing BMPHS.

Conclusion

The BHCPF, through its strategic gateways, plays a vital role in improving healthcare access and quality across Nigeria. By focusing on comprehensive services, primary healthcare strengthening, emergency response, public health security, and support for vulnerable groups, BHCPF contributes significantly to the nation’s health sector development. 

To enroll in BHCPF services, please contact the State Social Health Insurance Authority (SSHIA) in your state of residence to see if you qualify. See list of SSHIAs here