Daily Chronicle
The House of Representatives Committee on Health visited Bauchi to oversee the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) program.
Led by Committee Chairman Dr. Amos Gwamma Magaji, the team assessed fund releases, utilization, and the state’s commitment to the program, particularly in areas with high numbers of zero-dose children.
During discussions with the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, several challenges were highlighted, including the reduction of recognized primary health care facilities from 323 to 212, inadequate remuneration of Community Health Influencers and Promoters (CHIPs) agents, and irregular fund disbursement. Other issues raised included the low number of skilled birth attendants approved under the program, irregular supply of commodities to CHIPs agents, and delays in approving work plans.
The Committee also addressed the non-release of ₦3 billion BHCPF funds for 2025 to the State Primary Health Care Development Board and stockouts of vaccines from the national cold chain system, which poses health concerns nationwide.
During their visit, the Committee inspected the Urban Maternity Primary Health Care Centre in Bauchi, interacting with healthcare providers and staff. The BHCPF, a national initiative, allocates 1% of the total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) annually to support primary healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, noted that despite the program’s commencement, only 120 health workers have been approved, and inadequate human resources remain a challenge. He emphasized the need for proper planning and consultation with states to achieve universal health coverage.
Dr. Mohammed expressed concern that reducing the number of facilities from 323 to 212 would hinder services, particularly in remote areas. He also informed the Committee that Bauchi State has fulfilled its PHC-MoU contributions, marking the end of the 10-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Gates and Aliko Dangote foundations.
The Executive Chairman stressed the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening primary healthcare and improving the quality of care through initiatives like Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR). He also emphasized the need to strengthen accountability frameworks across facilities managing BHCPF finances.