26th October, 2016
Nigeria Medical Association (MNA), Plateau state chapter, has decried non-implementation of the National Health Act.
Dr Daniel Meshak, the state chairman of the association, made the statement on Wednesday in Jos when he led other members of the association on an advocacy visit to the state Assembly
He declared that non-implementation of the act was negatively affecting the nation’s health sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Health Act was signed into law in 2014.
Meshad said: “as you all know, the National Health Act was enacted in 2014 with provisions that have the potentials to turn around the fortunes of the hitherto bastardized health sector.
“This is because the Act made specific provisions for the establishment of Basic Health Care Fund which is a first line charge on the consolidated revenue of the Federal Government.
“This fund is to be primarily deployed into our primary healthcare which has been so neglected in the past.
“Unfortunately, two years after the passage of the Act, its operation has not commenced.
“Nigerian doctors are today saying that the time to implement the Health Act is now; we can no longer wait any further.’’
Responding, the Speaker, Mr Peter Azi said that the demand for the implementation of the Act was timely.
“We know you are fighting for the well being of the general public; because health is wealth, we are with you in this struggle,’’ Azi said.
NAN reports that the advocacy visit was part of activities marking NMA 2016 physician week.