Ak NMA COMMENDS AKHA ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BILL

 

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch commends the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), Rt. (Hon) Barr Onofiok Akpan Luke for Sponsoring the Bill for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency which has already passed through the first reading on the floor of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.

You may recall that the association, at a courtesy call on the Speaker on Wednesday, the 31st of August 2016 had called on the Speaker to use his good office to facilitate the passage of this bill which is the first step towards the actualization of universal health coverage for the people of Akwa Ibom State. 

The establishment of the agency will lead to an effective primary health care system which will lead to the following;
 

1.Provision of a solid foundation for the state health care delivery system.

2.Ability to resolve 80% of the health needs of the people with their involvement and closeness to where they live and work.

3.Improvement of the health of all the people and reducing health inequalities amongst different groups.

4.Production of better health for the people at a lower cost.

5.Placement of stronger emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

6.Strengthening the continuity of care and contribution to a more integrated health care development system.
7.Better usage of highly qualified health professionals and specialized health services.

8.Playing a central role in the achievement of the health Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Universal Health Coverage, most of the 13 targets of the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

9.Reduction of congestion of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
10.Enhancement of early management of health problems of the people amongst other benefits

The association further calls for the passage of the following bills that will enhance the health and general well-being of the people;

The Akwa Ibom State Health Care Waste Management Agency Bill.
The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme Bill

A bill to ban the hawking of uncertified health and herbal products including services on our streets, markets etc and dissemination of false information.
A bill for the provision of paternal leave for men in Akwa Ibom State.

Efforts should also be geared towards the domestication and full implementation of the National Health Bill 2014 which will help to provide for an effective and effective health insurance scheme for our people in both the formal and informal sectors.

Dr Aniekeme Aniefiok Uwah (JP)
Chairman,  NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch and the South-South Zone.