6 hours ago
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Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has described as “grossly inadequate” the yearly amount of money appropriated to the health sector, as being far below what is invested in other countries.
He stated this on Friday at a public hearing for four health-related Bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services in Abuja, saying that more needed to be done “if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as reduction in the rate of infant mortality.”
The Bills under consideration were A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018; A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021; A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act; and A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria.
The speaker, represented by Obordor Mitema, said, “Though the federal government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.
“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.”
The Acting Chairman of the Committee, Bassey Akiba, in his welcome address, noted that the health care sector over the past few years had gone through myriads of challenges.
“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact positively on the people.
“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance,” he said.
