Reps seek improved budgetary allocation to health sector

Members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for improved budgetary allocation for the health sector.

Chike Okafor, chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, gave the charge during an interactive meeting with the heads of health institutions and parastatals in Abuja, also urged Federal Government to play major role in the management of Primary Health Care (PHC).

Okafor noted that local government councils across the country lacked the financial capacity to manage the health demands of Nigerians in rural areas.

“At the moment, only 6 percent of the total budget is allocated to the health sector. This is grossly inadequate considering our huge population standing at 170 million at the last count. This committee and the entire House will work with the executive to ensure that adequate budgetary provision is made for the health sector.

“Majority of Nigerians reside in rural areas. We cannot afford to allow local government council to manage primary health care centres. The truth of the matter is that local government councils do not have the resources to fund and equip these health centres.

“The situation must be reversed. The Federal Government must take over the management of primary health centres; equip them with necessary facilities and adequate personnel (doctors, nurses and pharmacists).

“Most importantly, health professionals serving in these health centres must be given necessary incentives to live and work in rural areas,” Chike said.

To achieve the feat, he assured that the eighth National Assembly would leave enviable legacy behind by promoting harmony among healthcare workers and professionals, and sought for the cooperation of the heads of health institutions in achieving that feat.

“We must realise that each time nurses, doctors, pharmacists or any union in the health sector embarks on strike, the common man suffers and we have betrayed our Hippocratic oath,” he stated.