ABUJA — The bill that seeks to penalise public officials who receive medical treatment abroad using government funds has passed the second reading at the house of representatives. The bill is sponsored by Sergius Ogun, a legislator from Edo state.
Section 46 of the act prohibits public employees from seeking medical treatment abroad using public funds.
However, the bill exempted officials who received the recommendation of a medical board and were approved by a commissioner or minister.
During a debate on the bill, Ogun said the amendment to the health act will discourage medical treatment abroad at the detriment of the country’s health institutions.
It is no news that Nigeria’s healthcare system is in a deplorable state and needs urgent attention.
“There is a paucity of infrastructure, dearth of medical personnel, poor standards, and many other challenges that need to be addressed.
“The intent of this bill is to spur public officers to pay more attention to our health care sector and take drastic steps to develop and improve on the sector.
“The poor attention being given to the country’s health sector accounts for this and has resulted in a shortage of medical doctors in the country,” he said.
- Breaking: Ohanaeze President General, George Obiozor, confirmed dead - December 28, 2022
- US to support NDLEA on improved intelligence gathering capacity - December 27, 2022
- Why diversified HIV/AIDS prevention tools matter for women - December 26, 2022