By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – EXPERTS in health matters Tuesday took a swipe at the Federal Government for her alleged inability to provide basic healthcare for Nigerians as recommended by the National Health Act 2014.

The health experts alongside Civil Society Organisations operating under the umbrella of Health Sector Reform Coalition, HSRC, while briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja wondered why the Federal Government had not shown interest towards the implementation of the one percent Consolidated Revenue Fund, recommended by the Health Act for primary healthcare services.

Deacon Mike Egboh, member, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, said, “The Nigeria healthcare sector has become a major source of concern due to its poor healthcare delivery system caused by inadequate funding. Government’s ‘meager’ spending and countless supports from numerous international agencies and donors have demonstrated little progress in health outcomes.

“With yearly low budgetary allocation to the Health sector, the prevalent inefficiency, lack of accountability and transparency further significantly create the low returns on value for money for services delivered.

“While health is regarded as a fundamental human right, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution does not have provisions that protect and guarantee Nigerian citizens the unhindered right of access to quality and affordable healthcare at all levels. Recognizing this constitutional lacuna, the National Action 2014 was formulated and passed into law.

“It is sad to mention that three years after the tortuous journey of signing the Act into law, its implementation has been slow with zero funding commitment to the Basic Health Care package/Services in each year’s budget.

“The fund, of course cannot solve or perhaps meet the huge health needs of all Nigeria, however, it is designed to serve as a catalytic fund that could pool further funding for the health sector.”

The health experts called on the government to “include, without hesitation the one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in the 2018 budget to fund the Basic Health Care Package/Services.”

Speaking at the event, the Nigeria Country Director, One Campaign, Serah Makka-Ugbabe said the 2018 budget as presented by President Muhammadu Buhari was an inadequate response from the Federal Government to the myriads of facing the health sector.

She said, “The Nigerian health sector remains in crisis. In the last decade, we have not seen appreciable enhancements to the quality of healthcare for Nigerians. Instead, we have observed a decline.

“How long will we continue to accept such decay in the health sector? It is time for a step-change. It is time to ensure that all Nigerians have access to maternal, newborn, immunization, emergency and routine care at a minimum standard.”