The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill that seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014 for the purpose of regulating foreign medical treatments by public officers.
The amendment to the National Health Act also seeks to strengthen the Health institutions in Nigeria, for efficient service delivery.
Sponsored by Mr. Sergius Ogun, the bill is entitled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Health Act, 2014 to Regulate International Trips for Medical Treatment by Public Officers, to strengthen the Health Institutions for Efficient Service Delivery; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1267 and 1007)”.
According to the lawmaker, the bill seeks to amend the Principal Act to make provisions that regulate international trip by public officers in the Federation, as well strengthen existing public and private health institutions for efficient service delivery.
Some of the objectives of the bill, he said, are “to create a conducive operating health environment that both attract the best Nigerian medical brains in the Diaspora and other foreign medical personnel in search of greener pasture.
“Bring an end to a huge scenario of cash flight which is inimical to economic growth and development.
“Boost economic growth through improved health care services. Create a healthy competition between public and private health institutions for the benefit of Nigerians.
“Facilitate the realisation of sustainable development goal in relation to health through the establishment of strong health institutions and vigilant regulatory authorities,” he stated.
In his contribution to the debate, Mr. Jimoh Olajide called for proper funding of the health sector to ensure that those seeking foreign medical attention have a course to use the hospital in the country.
Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, while supporting the amendment, said some public officers tell lies just to go outside the country.
Mr. Joan Mpakor, in her contribution, said: “It is a good call for us to take care of our health sector,” calling on the government to take a second look at the country’s health sector.
Mr. Nkem Abonta lamented that Nigerians travelling abroad for medical services spend fortunes to get the service, noting that amendment to the National Health Act should be implemented when passed.
The bill, after scaling second reading through voice vote, was referred to House Committee on Healthcare Services and Health Institutions by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, for further legislative action.