By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna, Favour Nnabogu & Victoria Ojeme ABUJA— Months after agitation for the assent of the Revised National Health Bill trailed its passage by the Senate, healthcare professionals have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the much awaited Bill into law. However, they urged the Federal Government to ensure quick implementation of the Act. A statement from Nigeria Health Watch, quoting Mr. Reuben Abati, Presidential spokesman on Twitter described the development as “a fantastic end of year present to Nigeria, given that the bill was running the risk of expiry for the second time, having made its way through both Houses of Assembly twice.” This development comes as stakeholders in the health sector describe the National Health Bill as an important crossroads in the country. The Act will establish a basic health care fund through deduction of an additional one per cent of Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Account (CRA) for primary health care. This is in addition to the expected counterpart funding contribution from the states and local government areas. The Senate passed the controversial Health Bill 2014 into law following its third reading in the House. - See more at: vanguardngr/2014/12/health-professionals-commend-jonathan-national-health-bill/#sthash.74joKUrb.dpuf
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:05:56 +0000