Abbas Vows To Improve Primary Healthcare Through Effective Legislation
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s Primary Health Care system (PHC) system, saying it is not where it should be in terms of service delivery across the country.
Abbas made his remarks during a retreat for members of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, themed “Improving Health Outcomes Through Effective Legislations for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
The speaker pledged to address the shortcomings of the PHC system through effective legislation, as enshrined in the 2014 National Health Act, noting the need for a healthcare system that provides quality, affordable, and equitable services to all citizens, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
He also noted the challenges faced by the PHC system, including dilapidated infrastructure, a shortage of skilled health workers, low demand for services, inadequate funding, and a perceived lack of absorptive capacity leading to poor budget execution and the return of funds.
These challenges, he stated, hinder the health system’s ability to reach its full potential and noted the crucial role of effective legislation in shaping and strengthening the health system.
“The aim of the retreat is to address the critical issue that lies at the heart of human capital development and well-being, the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through primary health care and the vital role of effective legislation in achieving this goal, particularly through the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislature.
“Universal health coverage (UHC) is the vision of a world where everyone has access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
“Achieving UHC is not merely a noble aspiration; it is a moral imperative and a sound investment in our collective future. Why wouldn’t it be? After all, a healthy population is a productive population, contributing to economic growth and social stability. Conversely, poor health hinders individual progress and strains economies, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.” Abbas stated.
Abbas also stressed that primary healthcare represents the cornerstone of UHC, providing the first line of defence against disease and the gateway to essential health services.
“Very importantly, primary health care, represents the cornerstone of UHC, providing the first line of defence against disease and the gateway to the basic minimum package of health services as enshrined in the 2014 National Health Act. It is the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking care, providing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services that address most health needs,”
Abbas also noted the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), donors, partners, civil society organisations and others, to achieve universal health coverage.