By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A bill that would make primary health delivery free for Nigerian children has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
Hon. Bello Kaoje who spearheaded the motion to make sure that all Nigerian children are entitled to free health services, said said that the bill seeks to provide free services which include diagnosis and treatment by government hospitals in Nigeria
The lawmaker also explained that the Bill when passed, would ensure full implementation, provide guidelines and implement the provisions of the Act.
Nonetheless, the Minority Leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu, in his opposition to the bill, said that
Contributing to the debate, the minority leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu, observed hat passing the Bill would amount to duplication of the duties of the National primary Healthcare Development Agency.
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila however, added that the bill is seeking to mandate the relevant agencies to implement the policy.
After a robust debate, during which other members advised caution, the Speaker put it to vote after which the bill was passed for second reading and referred to the committee on healthcare services.
