In line with the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery system in the state, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, has said that the state legislature is soon to pass into law the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency bill.
Mr. Luke made this known, Monday, at the 2016 Nigerian Medical Aassociation (NMA) annual general meeting tagged “Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”, an occasion which he chaired and declared open in Uyo.
Speaking on the need for the doctors to contribute to the process of strengthening primary healthcare delivery system in the country, the Speaker said that the House is currently understudying the national primary healthcare development agency act with the intention of domesticating it so as to give strength to primary healthcare delivery in the state.
The legislative process for the actualization of the law is expected to commence as soon as the lawmakers resumes from recess. He said: “For me, the foundation for universal healthcare access is the strengthening of primary health care delivery system in the states with well trained personnel”.
He noted that an effective and efficient primary health care delivery system backed by adequate funding would go a long way in helping the state and country meet the standard for universal health coverage.
Luke also made a case for the provision of better working condition for doctors and other medical personnel, as well the establishment of a special unit in the hospitals to handle the health needs of doctors.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dominic Ukpong, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Bassey Attih, in his good will message congratulated the state NMA for a successful hosting of their AGM, and stated the commitment of the state government in ensuring improved healthcare for the citizenry.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of NMA, Augustine Umoh, explained that the 2016 AGM will afford members the opportunity to take stock of their achievements, challenges and would also enable them chart the way forward for the benefit of the association and the health sector.