Reps move to provide free healthcare to all Nigerians, establish NASS Library Trust

The House of Representatives Tuesday took steps to ensure the provision of free healthcare for all Nigerians as it passed for second reading, a Bill for an Act to Amend the National Health Act, 2014 to define a basic minimum package of health services.

Sponsored by Mohammed Bello (APC, Kano) the amendment Bill is to provide more Mechanism for realizing the objectives of the Principal Act in providing free healthcare services to all Nigerians without prejudice to the requirement of payment of the Contributory Scheme Stipulated in the National Health Insurance Scheme Act.

In leading the debate, Bello stated that the Bill aims to ensure the national health insurance scheme which was initiated to provide subsidy for health services for Nigerians is enjoyed by all who need it.

He expressed deep sadness that scores of Nigerians, especially in the rural areas, the unemployed, and the aged are unable to enjoy this all-important service.

The lawmaker stated that the Bill aims to amend the necessary laws in the national health Act to ensure the primary purpose of governance for the wellbeing of Nigerians is met.

Also, a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund for the purpose of Research, Provision of Library equipment, and Related facilities, enhance the Research of Legislators and Staff of the National Assembly passed second reading.

Stanley Adedeji (PDP, Oyo), one of Bill’s sponsors in leading the debate stated that the leadership of the 9th House of Representatives in its wisdom saw it fit to constitute a Committee on Legislative Library.

He said: “This was done to ensure the knowledge gap for legislators and their staff, as well as for individuals on especially legislative matters is bridged.

“It is in this bid that the Committee seeks to establish the trust fund which will function as a governing board and coordinating body for the establishment and smooth operation of such a world-class library that is envisioned.

“It will regulate funds gotten from public and private entities. The board will also have the authority to reinvest on behalf of the library. The fund will also be saddled with upgrading and maintenance of the library to ensure it continues to develop with the knowledge requirements of the future”.