The Ministry of Health in Ekiti State says reports that only N68 million was allocated to Primary Health Care are false, emphasizing that the 2026 health budget totals N19.65 billion and includes significant investment in PHC services.
The Ministry, through Information Officer, Wale Obelewaji, explained that the N68 million figure circulating on social media refers to a single capital line item within PHC, not the total funding available to the sector or the wider health system.
Ekiti’s 2026 budget covers multiple institutions and programmes, including the Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS), teaching hospitals, hospitals management boards, the Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency, and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS.
More than N2 billion is specifically earmarked for PHC.
The government highlighted that PHC operates under a shared-responsibility model: Local Governments manage day-to-day operations, such as immunisation, maternal and child health, and community health education, while the state oversees supervision, personnel support, and infrastructure.
Actual spending demonstrates Ekiti’s commitment to health. In 2025, the state invested over N33.7 billion in healthcare, with more than half directed to PHC. These funds supported 736,000 free malaria tests, 591,000 malaria treatments, and preventive care for over 116,000 pregnant women, contributing to significant reductions in maternal and child mortality.
“The claim that only N68 million was allocated to PHC is misleading. Ekiti State’s health sector record reflects progress, commitment, and the ongoing drive towards Universal Health Coverage, and public discussion must be based on facts”, the ministry said.
About the Author
