The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Thursday said it welcomed the assent given to the National Health Bill by President Goodluck Jonathan describing it as a major victory for the poor and healthcare reformers across Nigeria.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA, Dr. Ado Muhammad, said it signposts a significant milestone towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
He said, “Today, we celebrate a major victory for healthcare reformers across Nigeria and internationally but an even greater victory for mothers, children and families especially those who are poor – the renewed hope is that they will now have easier and more frequent access to quality healthcare services.
“The passage of the Bill is a significant milestone towards achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians. This is a landmark for Healthcare Reform in Nigeria. Its passage and assent has been an interesting journey for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s Health space.
“We therefore congratulate Mr President, the Legislature, the Supervising Minister of Health, Civil Society, Private Sector, the media and all other proponents working to improve health services in Nigeria who have been a part of this untiring advocacy for social good in Nigeria.”