The House of Representatives has vowed to overhaul the Nigeria Primary Healthcare System by enacting effective legislations for universal access to quality healthcare.
The House of Reps Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said this at a retreat for the House Committee on Healthcare Services in Abuja on Wednesday.
Abbas emphasized the need for collaboration and partnerships with development agencies, highlighting the stark disparity between Nigeria’s PHC and global standards.
Abbas, represented by Dr Adesua Osawaro, underscored the deficiencies in the nation’s primary healthcare.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep Dennis Idahosa, identified challenges such as dilapidated infrastructure and a shortage of skilled health workers, citing underfunding and low budget execution.
He said the legislators were committed to leveraging their oversight functions to enhance the education and training of a competent health workforce.
Idahosa emphasized the role of effective legislation in shaping a robust health system, calling for sustainable financing and community involvement in planning and monitoring PHC services.
He said the retreat was aimed at addressing human capital development through Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Idahosa called for collaboration with MDAs, donors, and civil society organizations.
Dr Kelechi Ohiri from the National Health Insurance Authority emphasized the crucial role of legislative and health agencies collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
