•We’ll reposition PHC -Abbas
BY GODWIN OBI
Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, yesterday, said the country is facing the worst economic crisis in its 63-year history.
Yahaya, who stated this, at the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on National Planning said it was imperative for the parliament and the Executive arm of government to collaborate to get the country out of the woods.
The lawmaker also stressed the need for the committees on National Planning in both chambers of the National Assembly, to work together in the next four years, to achieve set targets.
On his part, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka said there was the need to “roll our sleeves and tighten the belts for the tasks ahead in the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. “
Isiaka added that the Committee would take measures to reverse the declining economy, stabilizing the polity and integrating the various societal interests all with a view to enhancing national development.
“For all of us as a committee, the executives and bureaucrats, our Cooperation Framework shall detail not only how we can work together but, we shall work together.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, had said the House would reposition Primary Health Care (PHC) in the country through effective legislation.
He stated this at a retreat for members of the House committee on Healthcare Services. He said the House will collaborate with development partners to ensure improved primary healthcare.
The speaker, who was represented by Billy Osawaru, member from Edo State, expressed concern that things are not what they should be in the PHC in the country.
The chairman of the committee, Dennis Idahosa, in his speech at the event, stated that challenges confronting PHC centres in the country include dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of skilled health workers, poor funding amongst others.
“As the House committee on Healthcare services, we have resolved to take pragmatic steps to reverse some of the unsavoury issues in the health systems and we are beginning with engaging the MDAs and partners to collectively identify ways of working together to achieve collaborative advantages.
Idahosa explained that “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 (UHC) 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.
“Universal health coverage (UHC) is the vision of a world where everyone has access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
“Therefore, I welcome you to this very important gathering themed: Improving Health Outcomes Through Effective Legislation for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). I believe great insights will emerge from today’s conversations which will improve coordination and collaboration between the legislature and all champions of UHC.”
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