Reps Promise To Tackle Challenges Facing Primary Healthcare

The House of Representatives has promised to address the challenges militating against the effective performance of the primary healthcare sector in the interest of Nigerians.

The House said in addressing the challenges, adequate legislation would be made in line with the provision of the 2014 National Health Act.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stated this on Wednesday at a retreat for members of the House Committee on Healthcare Services in Abuja.

He said the 10th House would build a strong partnership with development partners as well as effective legislation to improve primary healthcare.

Represented by a member from Edo State, Adesua Osawuro, the speaker pointed out that with the required collaboration, the sector can be made to function optimally for the nation.

The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, noted that despite its undeniable importance, PHC is facing many challenges, ranging from dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of skilled health workers, limited demand for PHC services, gross underfunding and perceived lack of absorptive capacity leading to low budget execution and return of funds.

Effective legislation, he noted, plays a central role in shaping and strengthening the health system through well-tailored and contextualized laws and policies.

He listed others to include ensuring sustainable financing for healthcare, ensuring that it receives the resources it needs to provide quality services, leveraging lawmakers oversight function to expedite investments in the education, training, and retention of a competent health workforce, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas, among others.

He said, “We need to empower individuals and communities to actively participate in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of PHC services, ensuring that they are responsive to local needs and priorities.

“We need to advocate for increased focus on technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of health services, reaching the most vulnerable populations and bridging geographical divides.

“The aim of the retreat is to address the critical issue that lies at the heart of human capital development and well-being, the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage through primary health care and the vital role of effective legislation in achieving this goal, particularly through the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislature.

“Achieving UHC is not merely a noble aspiration; it is a moral imperative and a sound investment in our collective future. Why wouldn’t it be? After all, a healthy population is a productive population, contributing to economic growth and social stability. Conversely, poor health hinders individual progress and strains economies, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

The Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, re-emphasised the mission of the NHIA to ensure financial access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

Represented by Director, Standards and Quality Assurance, Dr. Yakubu Amade, he said stakeholders must recognise the critical role played by both the legislative arm and the health agencies in transforming the healthcare landscape.