House of Reps To improve Primary Healthcare Services

Last updated Nov 23, 2023

The House of Representatives says, it will improve the Nigeria Primary Health Care (PHC), sector as it is not where it’s supposed to be where every citizen can have access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, made this known at a retreat for members of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, in Abuja.

He said that the 10th House would build a strong partnership with development partners as well as effective legislation to improve primary healthcare.

Hon Adesua Osawuro, the speaker observed that as long as there is collaboration, primary healthcare services can work in Nigeria.

The Speaker, stressed that the nation’s primary healthcare is not the way it should be when a comparative analysis is conducted between primary healthcare in Nigeria and other climes.

The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon Dennis Idahosa, said that despite its undeniable importance, PHC challenges ranging from dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of skilled health workers, limited demand for PHC services, gross underfunding and painfully, perceived lack of absorptive capacity leading to low budget execution and return of funds.

According to him, all the challenges and more hinders the ability of the health system to fulfil its potential.

He therefore affirmed that effective legislation plays a central role in shaping and strengthening the health system through well-tailored and contextualized laws and policies.

Others include to ensure sustainable financing for healthcare, ensuring that it receives the resources it needs to provide quality services, Leverage lawmakers oversight function to expedite investments in the education, training, and retention of a competent health workforce, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas.

“Empower individuals and communities to actively participate in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of PHC services, ensuring that they are responsive to local needs and priorities.

“Advocate for increased focus in technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of health services, reaching the most vulnerable populations and bridging geographical divides.

“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.

“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,” Hon Idahosa said.

The Lawmaker explained that their ability as legislators to shape the legislative landscape that governs health care and make decisions with profound impact on the lives of millions, ensuring that they have access to the quality health care they deserve, will be constrained by the inability to effectively collaborate with MDAs, donors, partners, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders.

Hon Idahosa urged all and sundry to reach deep into the recesses of their mind and provide the Committee with top-notch ideas that will guide them to create an enabling environment for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

“As the house committee on healthcare services, we have resolved to take pragmatic steps to reverse some of the unsavoury issues in the health systems and we are beginning with engaging the MDAs and partners to collectively identify ways of working together to achieve collaborative advantages.

“Therefore, I welcome you to this very important gathering themed: Improving Health Outcomes Through Effective Legislation for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage. I believe great insights will emerge from today’s conversations which will improve coordination and collaboration between the legislature and all champions of UHC,” Idahosa noted.

The DG National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Dr Kelechi Ohiri, reiterated the mission of the NHIA to ensure financial access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

He said it is imperative that stakeholders recognize the critical role played by both the legislative arm and the health agencies in transforming the healthcare landscape.

According to him, bridging the gap between the legislature and health agencies is crucial for enacting robust policies that address the healthcare needs of the populace.

The theme of the retreat was,“Improving Health Outcomes Through Effective Legislations for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”