PRESIDENT BUHARI FAILS PROMISE TO INCREASE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE COVERAGE BY 45%

There is a saying that "Health is wealth", and this holds true in Nigeria. Primary healthcare is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of a nation. Unfortunately, President Muhammadu Buhari's promise to increase the population covered by primary healthcare by 45% has remained unfulfilled, leaving Nigerians with inadequate access to healthcare.

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) reports that only 43% of Nigerians have access to quality primary healthcare services, falling short of the 57.6% coverage promised by President Buhari.

Expanding primary healthcare coverage held great potential for Nigeria. It would have provided millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural and marginalized communities, with essential healthcare services. This achievement would have had far-reaching and transformative benefits.

Improved primary healthcare coverage plays a vital role in disease prevention and control. It ensures affordable and accessible services, making healthcare available to all Nigerians.

Enhanced primary healthcare has an impact beyond health outcomes. A healthier population is more productive, leading to improved living standards and contributing to the country's overall development.

It is worth noting that the NPHCDA has developed a ten-year strategic plan to revitalize all primary healthcare centers nationwide. At the 2022 PHC Summit, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, acknowledged the neglect of the PHC level and expressed the opportunity to rebuild the system and correct the imbalance among different levels of care.

We rate President Buhari's promise to increase primary healthcare coverage by 45% as “Broken”.

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