•Tajudeen Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday said although a considerable amount of money is appropriated to the health sector annually; it has remained grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.
Speaker Abbas said both the federal and state governments need to do more if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality, reports The Nation.
The Bills are: A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018; A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021; A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act; and A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria.
Speaking at a public hearing for four health related bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services, the Speaker said it was for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.
Represented by the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Obordor Mitema, Speaker Abbas said, it was in order to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it received the necessary support. Partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria were being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future there would be an improvement.
He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries. It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.”
“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.
“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.”
The Acting Chairman of the Committee, Hon Bassey Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years had gone through a myriad of challenges.
The challenges, he said, include the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.
He said even though in recent times, the government has improved funding for health care, it is still inadequate.
“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but possibly impact other people.”
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said a Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.
