The Chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services, Amos Magaji, said the true battlefield for Nigeria’s health security in the local communities.
He stated this recently during a high-level advocacy visit by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and LISDEL.
Magaji harped on the nation’s health infrastructure, centering on Primary Health Care centres(PHCs) as the primary defense against hypertension and diabetes.
“PHCs are the hospitals of today and the hospitals of the future,” Magaji declared.
Speaking further, he observed that hypertension and diabetes are now the leading causes of hospital visits in Nigeria.
“These “silent killers” are overwhelming the healthcare system, yet they are diseases that—if caught early—can be managed effectively at the community level. By the time a patient reaches a specialist hospital, they are often facing complications like stroke or kidney failure.
“Strengthening PHCs allows for early detection, continuous management, and a significant reduction in the burden on tertiary facilities.”
He said for PHCs to function as the “hospitals of the future,” there is need to move away from out-of-pocket spending to ensure that even the most vulnerable Nigerians can access care at their local PHC without financial ruin.
“The legislature is currently advocating to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 1% to 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This increase is vital to provide the consistent resources needed for equipment, staffing, and medication at the primary level.”
