The Federal Government says about 131,000 women and 373,000 children under five years will enjoy free basic healthcare in the next nine months in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abdullahi Mashi, made the disclosure at the launch of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund for the FCT at Kuchigoro Primary Health Care Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said FCT residents would benefit from basic healthcare services worth N224 million over the next nine months.

He added that “the amount is equivalent to payment for the management of 131,000 pregnant women for normal deliveries and 373,000 under-five childhood illnesses or 280,000 malaria cases.”

The permanent secretary said, “in addition, 62 public sector facilities will become truly functional following the launch of the fund. Mashi said the launch was a demonstration of the commitment of the FCT Administration to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He said 70 per cent of total health expenditure in the country is borne out of pocket, which is far higher than the globally acceptable rate of 30 to 40 per cent and remains a barrier to accessing healthcare. He added that “the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to reversing this ugly situation and promoting shared prosperity. With the launch of this fund, I am convinced that we will turn the tide on this.”