The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, a Bill for an act to make all health care service delivery free for all children in Nigeria.
Leading debate on the Bill at plenary, the sponsor of the Bill, Alh Bello Kaoje, stated that the bill seeks to provide free health services which include diagnosis and treatment by government hospitals across the country.
The lawmaker added that the Bill when passed, would ensure full implementation and provide guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
Contributing to the debate, the Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, observed that passing the Bill would amount to duplication of the duties of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency saddled with the constitutional responsibilities of free health care delivery.
The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, who presided over the plenary, however, clarified that the bill was seeking to mandate the relevant agencies to implement the policy.
After a robust debate, other members advised for caution, the Speaker put the Bill to vote after which the bill was passed for second reading and referred to the committee on healthcare services.
