The Senate is set to implement the 2014 National Health Act, which was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan, especially the one per cent consolidated fund to enhance funding of Nigeria’s health system in 2018.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was represented by Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, Senate Committee Chairman on Primary Health Care and infectious Diseases, made the disclosure during the commemoration of 2017 World AIDS Day in Abuja on Tuesday, themed “Right to Health – Making it Happen”.
“It stipulates that one per cent of consolidated fund be set aside for health care provision.” He said. Adding that the implementation of that part of the Act was not included in the proposed 2018 budget recently submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate for consideration and approval.
The Senate President said correction to the budget by the upper chamber should not be misinterpreted as budget padding. Also that the Senate was ready to synergise with the executive arm of government in ensuring proper funding of health care in 2018.
“We have resolved as a parliament that in 2018, we will implement the National Health Act 2014, which states that one per cent of consolidated revenue fund should go to the establishment of basic health funds. “This will enable us fund all our health services, including HIV and AIDS,” he said.
In his remark, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reaffirmed government's commitment towards universal coverage.
According to the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole “No one should be denied the right to health; HIV care, prevention and treatment services are fundamental human rights".
He said government was working hard to revise the trend and approach to the National HIV response programme. Adding that more financial resources are being allocated for procurement of rapid test kits and anti-retroviral drugs to enable more HIV positive persons to be placed on treatment.
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