Women in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja have staged a protest against the delay in the passage of the National Health Bill by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The women who were mobilized by State of the Union (SOTU) and Accountability for Maternal, New-born and Child Health in Nigeria (AMHiN) maintained that if the bill is passed into law, it will go a long way to help all stakeholders in the health sector to save the lives of the citizens particularly, women, children and poor masses who are mostly at receiving end.
Addressing the protesting women at main entrance gate of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Deputy Director, Staff Welfare and Training, Mr. Martins Amaefuna said he is not in the capacity to react directly to the agitation but assured that that the government is working towards addressing some of the issues raised.
‘’I am not in the capacity of making authoritative statement here but I will convey the message to the Minister’’, Amaefuna said.
The leader of the aggrieved women who is also the Project coordinator Accountability for Maternal, New-born and Child Health in Nigeria (AMHiN), Chioma Blessing Kanu urged the government to as a matter of urgency pass the bill and ensure full implementation.
Kanu expressed her fear if the bill is not passed now as the general elections approaches, it will take another four years for it to be reconsidered for passage because it will still go through another debate at the National Assembly with new members.
It could be recalled that on October 28, the National Health Bill, 2014 makes its second attempt to seek president’s consideration and assent.
Kanu contented that ‘’Nigeria will be making a legacy of model Healthcare delivery legislation for other countries in West Africa to follow, particularly those still plagued by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), if the President approve the bill.”
By Yusuf An-Nuphawi
