Contentious issues resolved on health bill – Group

The HSRC which is a platform for several civil societies noted that much progress have taken place with conserted efforts from all stakeholders to push for the passage of the bill which according to them will improve the quality of care in Nigeria especially for the poor.The Executive Secretary of the Health Reform Foundation of […]

The HSRC which is a platform for several civil societies noted that much progress have taken place with conserted efforts from all stakeholders to push for the passage of the bill which according to them will improve the quality of care in Nigeria especially for the poor.
The Executive Secretary of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON), Dr Muhammed Lecky speaking at a press briefing at the weekend revealed that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chairman Senate Committee on Health and his members sponsored a revised national health bill wherein most of the issues were addressed.
He explained that a public hearing was held for all grieved persons to present memo so that the controversial National Health Bill will be amended to suit the needs of all stakeholders.
According to him the chairman of the committee, the Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan subsequently hosted all stakeholders in Asaba so that all the issues in contention will be resolved.
“All those clauses that were in contention, some were either removed or in some cases amended, the contentious issues in the bill have been resolved through the auspices of our coalition,” Lecky said.
Earlier the country director of Evidence for Action (E4A), Dr Tunde Segun said that all levels of government need to be alert to the importance of passing the health bill.
He said, “Enacting a national health bill in a country as complex and diverse as Nigeria is more of  political process than a technical one. In recognition of the need for very strong champion, with decisive influence on high level of political matters, we urge the state governments especially the governors and several stakeholders at this level to be engaged and to use the National Economic Council to advocate and mobilise support for the passage of the bill, which is bringing more money to their respective state and local government health system.”