By; OLADELE ADEDAYO, Ado-Ekiti.
Lawmakers in the Ekiti State House of Assembly have expressed their support for a speedy passage of the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme Bill, 2016.
The executive bill at the second reading before the lawmakers, seek to ensure that every resident of Ekiti State has good access to health care services.
It also aims at ensuring that the basic minimum package for the poor and vulnerable is delivered, subject to the availability of the fund stipulated by the National Health Act.
According to a statement by the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Chief Olugboyega Aribisogan, while introducing the Bill to other members at plenary in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the Deputy leader of Business, Hon. Alagbada Adeniran, called on his colleagues to expedite action on its passage, due to its expected advantages to the people.
He also pointed out that the bill would improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of health care services in the state.
Other members of the House, including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Olusegun Adewumi; Hon Akinleye Ekundayo and Fajana Ojo-Ade called for a special consideration of the bill, due to its expected impact on health care delivery system in the state.
In his contribution, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole said the bill deserved special attention and consideration, hence, the need to allow all members to make input at this stage.
Oluwawole remarked that the bill, when passed, would ameliorate the financial problems confronting most patients in Ekiti hospitals.
The House has slated further legislative action on the bill till next week.
