The Nigerian Medical Association has warned that the Federal Government may not implement the National Health Act in 2017. Consequently, the association will today (Wednesday) stage a protest march in Abuja that will terminate in the Aso Rock Villa, where its leaders plan to submit a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.The National Health Act, signed into law in 2014, has not been implemented.The law provides that one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund of the Federal Government be set aside for the provision of basic health care. NMA President, Prof. Mike Ogirima, expressed these fears on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2016 Physicians Week, with the theme, Healthcare delivery in a frail economy: Challenges and the way forward.
According to him, the NMA has decided to stage the protest because it fears that the government may not implement the Act in the coming year. He said, “It is worrisome and the consequences are numerous. The implementation of the National Health Act is key to achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria. We are going to stage a walk in Abuja and march to Aso Rock and hand a letter to the President.”
Source:MWN
