Basic Health Care Provision Fund Scheme: Assessment of Clients’ Satisfaction at Primary Health Care Facilities after Two Years of Implementation in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

Abstract

Background: A major factor contributing to poor health outcomes in Nigeria is the government's low investment in the health sector. Nigeria’s National Health Act (2014) proposed a radical shift in health financing by establishing Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) scheme. This study assessed clients’ satisfaction with service provision after two years of implementation of the scheme in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Methods: Health facility-based cross-sectional design and two-stage sampling method were used to select 400 adult clients at Primary Health Care facilities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 22.0 and the level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Results: Median age of respondents was 30 years (Interquartile Range = 11), the majority were females; 326 (81.5%) and mostly married; 345 (86.3%). The majority; 357 (89.4%) experienced quick responses to emergencies and most of the enrolled clients; 76 (88.4%) benefitted from free services. The majority; 350 (87.5%) also received prescribed drugs and 369 (92.3%) were satisfied with the services. Factors associated with service satisfaction were being female client [AOR; 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.80], p=0.03, having 3-4 children (AOR; 3.6, 95% CI=1.2-11.4), p=0.03 and Christian faith (AOR; 2.8, 95% CI=1.1-7.0), p=0.03. Conclusion: High client satisfaction was associated with the introduction of the BHCPF scheme at Primary Health Care facilities in the study area. The scheme provides an opportunity to improve the quality of maternal and child healthcare services at these facilities. The gains recorded should be sustained through regular supervision and continuous engagement with clients to address their concerns.