Lagos State Revitalizes Healthcare Sector: Expands Oversight on Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Implementation
Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery through the effective implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). This renewed commitment was evident at a recent meeting of the State Oversight Committee (SOC), where stakeholders gathered to discuss progress, challenges, and future strategies for the BHCPF.
The meeting, held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Room, State Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, was chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. Key stakeholders in attendance included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; and heads of relevant health agencies and facilities.
During the meeting, the Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring & Evaluation at the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, presented updates on the NHIA Gateway. Her presentation focused on financial management, quality improvement, and fund utilization, highlighting significant progress made since the inception of the BHCPF
One of the notable achievements highlighted during the meeting was the expansion of enrollment under the NHIA Gateway. From just 58 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in 2022, the number has now grown to 194 PHCs, covering a broader population across the state. This expansion has been accompanied by increased financial disbursements, with marked improvement in funds released between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025 to support service delivery.
The meeting also highlighted a significant challenge facing the BHCPF: low utilization rates. According to Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, the current utilization rate ranges from 0.68% to 3%, averaging just 1.67%. This statistic raised concerns among policymakers, who emphasized the need to address this issue to ensure the success of the BHCPF.
To address the low utilization rates, the Lagos State Government has introduced new strategies. These include enrolling beneficiaries directly through PHCs rather than relying solely on LASHMA. Additionally, PHCs that fail to report utilization data now face funding cuts, a measure introduced in May 2024 to enforce compliance.
The meeting also identified other challenges and concerns facing the BHCPF. These include:
- Knowledge gaps among health workers, particularly in differentiating between the BHCPF and the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme (Ilera-Eko).
- Poor infrastructure in some PHCs.
- Staff shortages in PHCs.
- Underreporting of services rendered.
Stakeholders proposed several solutions, including:
- Increasing training for PHC staff.
- Establishing health insurance desks at each facility.
- Strengthening community engagement programs.
- Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the scheme.
- Defining clear service packages under the BHCPF.
Inauguration of the Expanded BHCPF State Oversight Committee
A significant outcome of the meeting was the inauguration of the expanded BHCPF State Oversight Committee. This Committee will oversee multiple health programs under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework. According to Prof. Abayomi, Lagos State is already meeting its performance indicators under BHCPF and is poised to receive more funding rewards.
Prof. Abayomi, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure that Lagosians fully benefit from the BHCPF initiative. He reiterated that efficient healthcare financing and service delivery remain top priorities for the administration. As the state continues to fine-tune its health insurance and primary healthcare framework, the success of the BHCPF will largely depend on improving utilization, ensuring data accuracy, and strengthening accountability across all health facilities.
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