Reps okay bill to regulate foreign medical treatments for public officers

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill that sought to amend National Health Act, 2014 for the purpose of regulating foreign medical treatments by public officers.

The amendment to the National Health Act also sought to strengthen the Health institutions in the country for efficient delivery.

The bill sponsored by Honourable Sergius Ogun 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)”.

The bill he said, sought to amend the Principal Act to make provisions that regulate international trip by public officers in the federation and as well strengthen existing public and private health institutions for efficient service delivery.

Some of the objectives of the bill, he said “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, Honourable 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.

Honourable Abdulrazak Namdas while supporting the amendment said that some public officers lied just to go outside the country.

Honourable Joan Mpakor in her contribution said that “it is a good call for us to take care of our health sector”, and called on the government to take a second look at the country’s health sector.

Honourable Nkem Abonta emphasized that Nigerians travelling abroad for medical services spent a fortune to get the service, noting that amendment to the National Health Act should be implemented when passed.

The bill after passing second reading through voice vote was referred to House committee on Healthcare services and Health institutions by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara for further legislative action.