Impact of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund on Primary Healthcare Service Utilization in Nasarawa State, Nigeria: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This comparative study evaluates the impact of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) on primary healthcare service utilization in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study assesses the differences in healthcare service utilization before and after the implementation of BHCPF, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Data were collected from the 147 BHCPF primary healthcare funded facilities, stakeholders that included healthcare personnel, and community members through surveys, interviews, and observations. The findings indicate an insignificant increase in healthcare service utilization, particularly among vulnerable populations, after the implementation of BHCPF. The study also identifies challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient healthcare personnel, and inefficient financial management systems. The results suggest that BHCPF has the potential to improve primary healthcare service utilization in Nasarawa State, but addressing the identified challenges is crucial to sustaining the gains. The study's findings have implications for policy and practice, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to strengthen primary healthcare systems and ensure that the benefits of BHCPF reach the most vulnerable populations.