President Muhammadu Buhari has authorised N6.45 billion for the establishing of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to reinforce the therapy of Covid-19 sufferers who need oxygen.
This disclosure emerged on the first National Economic Council meeting of the year presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with State Governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor and other senior authorities officials in attendance.
Whereas briefing the NEC on the release of the funds, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed stated the President authorised the discharge of the funds for the manufacturing of oxygen, necessitated by the elevated variety of patients who want oxygen because of the surge in Covid-19 infections within the nation.
Equally on the assembly, the Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed the Council that sequel to President Buhari’s decision to activate the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund based mostly on the Nationwide Well being Act, N55.1billion was authorised in 2018 and that 50% of the sum has since been released to the States and the FCT.
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In addition to, the Federal Authorities has additionally allotted N35billion for 2021 for the Fund.
It might be recalled that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF or “The Fund”) was established under Section 11 of the National Health Act (NHA Act), because the principal funding car for the Basic Minimal Package deal of Health Providers (BMPHS). The Fund serves to extend the fiscal area and total financing to the well being sector to help Nigeria obtain Universal Well being Protection (UHC). Funding of the BHCPF could be derived from contributions together with — an annual grant from the Federal Authorities of Nigeria of not lower than one per cent (1%) of its Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) — grants by international donor partners; and funds from any other supply.
Other updates on the NEC meeting embody account balances as at 20th January, 2020 given by the Minister of Finance, Finances and Nationwide Planning, as follows:
Excess Crude Account (ECA), balance as at 20th January, 2021, $72,411,197.80; Stabilization Account, steadiness as at nineteenth January, 2021, N28, 800, 711,295.37; Natural Resources Development Fund Account, balance as at 19th January 2021, N95, 830,729,470.82.
