By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has demanded adequate funding for the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, in the 2025 budget.
Speaking yesterday when the Executive Director of the agency, Muyi Aina, appeared before the committee at the National Assembly for the 2025 budget defence, Chairman of the panel, Amos Magaji observed that a functional healthcare system can curb corruption in Nigeria.
NPHCA has proposed N48.1478billion for the 2025 budget, even as it pleaded that despite having the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Vaccine Immunisation Funds as alternative finances, government should increase its budget for optimum performance.
He noted that the budget release for 2024 was low, but hopes for better release in 2025, adding that if the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is granted the requested sum, it would go a long way in addressing health challenges in the country.
Similarly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has proposed over N7.38billion for the 2025 budget.
Director-General of the centre, Jide Idris said the amount would help Nigeria in combating disease outbreaks, adding it is combating eight disease outbreaks currently.
“We are ready for any outbreak because we have built capacity. We don’t expect anything, but we are monitoring. Preparedness is ongoing in the area of research and collaboration with other agencies. We have engaged state governments to develop their surveillance. Our own is to support them,” Idris said.
