President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to sign the National Health Bill 2014 sent to him by the National Assembly as it will facilitate efficacious health delivery system Nigerians have forever been agitating for.
A press statement jointly signed by Okeke Anya of State of the Union (SOTU) and Chioma Blessing Kanu of Accountability for Maternal, New-born and Child Health in Nigeria (AMHiN) noted that the Health Bill awaiting the President’s assent since 28 October makes the second attempt to seek his consideration and assent.
“Previously it went to him in 2011, shortly before the elections and by coincidence it is also back on his desk, about three months before another round of national elections for which he proposes to stand as the candidate of the ruling party, we urge Mr President to sign it,” the statement recalled.
The statement emphasised that The National Health Bill, 2014, will address many challenges related to the Nation’s health policy.
Among other values, the bill proposed the establishment of a National Health System anchored on the principles of coordination, collaboration, shared responsibility, efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, professionalism, promoting appropriate standards and clear cut regulation of health services across the Federation.
If it becomes an act, the non-governmental organisations contented, Nigeria will be making a legacy of model Healthcare delivery legislation for other countries in West Africa to follow, particularly those still plagued by Ebola Virus Disease,(EVD).
“For many positive values, proposed programmes and robust policies, inherent in the National Health Bill, which makes it Nigeria’s greatest attempt so far, at speedily revamping her weak healthcare system, is why we urge President Jonathan to heed the clarion call of Nigerians by promptly assenting to the Bill within the few days left for him to do so.’’
It argued that assenting the bill will attest to Nigeria’s commitment to the Africa Health Strategy 2007-2015 adopted in Abuja in 2007 and the Maputo Plan of Action on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
