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Saraki canvases universal health care for all Nigerians

By Daniel Ayantoye

The President of the 8th Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has solicited universal health care for all Nigerians.
Saraki, a medical doctor by profession, who made the call on his twitter handle recently, noted that health care coverage should be the right of all citizens.
According to him, past administration has failed in ensuring that all Nigerians access the universal health coverage and as such the current administration should make a difference.
“Healthcare coverage should be the right of all Nigerian citizens. I strongly believe that it is possible. Unfortunately, others that came before us were not able to achieve it. This is why it is up to us to make the difference,” he explained. 
Explaining further, the Senate President said “the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage will work to guarantee coverage for all citizens. Even if all that we can achieve is a healthcare system that covers immunisation, malaria and antenatal, we would have gone a long way in solving most of Nigeria’s most critical healthcare issues.”
He, however, disclosed that the reason for directing the Minister of Health to present the cost of the scheme, is for the National Assembly to know the expected amount that will be paid by Federal, state government, international partners and private sector will contribute. 
“Most importantly, when the 2018 budget comes, we will work to ensure that the health care sector receives the 1 percent from the consolidated revenue fund in accordance with the National health Act of 2014. 
This will set up a national basic health care provision fund (BHPF) that will provide all Nigerians with access to basic health care service” he added.

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