22, November 2024.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has highlighted the persistent underfunding of Nigeria’s health sector despite significant annual allocations.
He emphasized the need for improved funding to address challenges like low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates.
Abbas made these remarks on Friday during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Healthcare Services to deliberate on four critical bills aimed at strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
The proposed bills include amendments to the National Residency Training Act, the National Insurance Authority Act, and the National Tobacco Control Act, as well as the establishment of the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria.
Represented by Hon. Obordor Mitema, a member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, Abbas lauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing healthcare as a pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed optimism that partnerships with the private sector, both locally and internationally, would drive significant improvements in the sector.
“Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the funding remains grossly inadequate compared to other nations,” Abbas noted .
He outlined key issues plaguing the sector, including: Outbound medical tourism. Emigration of skilled healthcare workers. Poor salaries for healthcare professionals. Insufficient budgetary allocations.
Abbas added: “Despite having the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, Nigeria’s progress in healthcare has been slow and disappointing. More effort is needed to raise life expectancy and reduce infant mortality.”
The Speaker commended Hon. Bassey Akiba, Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, and other committee members for organizing the public hearing, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to improving healthcare access for Nigerians.
“Western countries have developed first-class healthcare systems. Nigeria must follow suit. The National Assembly is fully committed to initiating and amending laws to bring positive change to the health sector,” Abbas said.
Hon. Bassey Akiba noted that Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, including rising healthcare costs, preventable medical errors, and inadequate insurance coverage. While recent efforts have increased funding, Akiba acknowledged that more resources are needed.
He stressed the importance of public hearings in shaping legislation and assured stakeholders of the committee’s readiness to collaborate on sustainable reforms.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) called for the amendment bill on the National Residency Training Act to be stepped down. Dr. Benjamin Oluwatosin, the NMA’s First Vice President, emphasized the need for input from key stakeholders like the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD.
Representatives from the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Committee of Chief Medical Directors participated in the hearing, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to address the sector’s challenges effectively.
(www.naija247news.com)
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Favor Akpan, News Writer ✔
Favor Akpan is a dedicated News Writer at Naija247news.com, known for delivering accurate and timely coverage of Nigerian and African current affairs. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Favor specializes in politics, social issues, and economic developments, ensuring readers stay informed on the latest events shaping the region. Committed to journalistic integrity, Favor consistently produces well-researched articles that engage and enlighten the Naija247news audience.
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