The Bill is to ensure that government makes special fund available for the provision of qualitative health care services across the country.
The passage of the Bill was supposed to have been concluded before now, but for some contentious issues.
One of such was the financing of the health care service in Nigeria. Proponents of the Bill sought to remove 2% from the Federation’s Consolidated Funds to finance the sector.
Another issue which stalled the passage of the Bill late last year was the contribution of 25% to the scheme from the States and Local Governments.
However, following disagreements, disputes and political stalling, President Goodluck Jonathan declined to sign it into law and it was returned to the National Assembly last year.
When passed into law, the legislation will make provision for a budget of N60 billion for primary healthcare annually, in addition to providing free medical care for the most vulnerable.
The bill will also establish minimum guarantees of basic healthcare services for select groups such as children below the age of five, pregnant women, adults above the age of 65 and people with disabilities, and help extend primary healthcare to 60% of Nigerians living in hard-to-reach rural communities.
It will also formally recognise the establishment of village health committees which give room for community participation and ownership of the health centres, in addition to reforming the recruitment, training, and professional development of health sector workers.
Source: Daily Trust
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