FG has provided funds for over 237 PHCs in the last quarter – Dr. Aina
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyiwa Aina, said the agency has provided funds for over 237 Public Health Centres across the federation in the third quarter of this year so as to enable them to provide the necessary health services to the citizens.
Dr Aina, who disclosed this on Friday during the commissioning of one of the revitalised PHCs in Lokoja, said the agency also added another 249 facilities, which will now receive quarterly funds directly from the NPHCDA.
He stressed that the ongoing nationwide PHC revitalisation project initiated by President Tinubu has transformed the health sector by extending services to the grassroots, giving people access to free and quality healthcare.
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“At the beginning of the year, we planned to revitalise 196 PHCs, some by the Federal Government, most by the state, and a few by our partners, but the Governor has even surpassed that target.
“Today, we are also handing over a stock of PHC equipment that will be distributed to about 24 facilities initially, with more to come. We’ve worked with His Excellency to provide equipment for vaccine storage and essential medicines.
“Currently, about 237 PHCs receive basic healthcare provision funds from the third quarter. We’re adding another 249 facilities, which will now receive quarterly funds directly from the NPHCDA—₦600,000 for low-volume facilities and ₦800,000 for high-volume ones.
This will help them pay for utilities, hire ad hoc workers, and cover other operational needs.” Governor Usman Ododo, speaking at the commissioning and the stakeholders’ engagement meeting, commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the health of the citizens.
In his words:”In the past, rural communities had to rush their sick relatives to towns where they could access health facilities, and in most cases, due to the long distances, patients died before reaching the hospital.
“Today, that trend has been reversed as a result of massive investment in PHCs through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). We are very grateful to the President and the Agency.
“Our people deserve a healthcare system that works. These revitalised PHCs will bring medical services closer to communities and reduce the burden on secondary health facilities,” he said
He emphasised that the exercise was not just about renovating buildings but about restoring confidence in public health facilities through the provision of modern facilities, qualified personnel, and adequate drugs to advance the state government’s agenda of affordable and effective health services.
“This effort is part of a broader agenda to strengthen primary healthcare delivery as the foundation of a functional health system. We are not just opening facilities; we are building healthier communities,” he noted.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in the health sector and for creating an enabling environment for states to strengthen their healthcare systems through renewed investments and collaborative frameworks.
The governor described the president’s focus on primary healthcare and human capital development as a strong motivation for his administration’s ongoing reforms in Kogi State.
He cautioned residents against vandalising the facilities, warning that anyone caught in the act would be brought to justice.
The governor also announced cash rewards of ₦250,000 each to winners of the PHC Leadership Challenge across all local government areas of the state.
In addition, he approved ₦3 million, ₦2 million, and ₦5 million for the first, second, and overall best-performing LGAs, respectively, in each senatorial district.
