Residents of Benue would start enjoying improved healthcare services following the passage of into law the Health Management Agency by the state House of Assembly.
The law entitled “A Bill for a Law to Make Provisions for the Establishment of the Benue State Health Management Agency’’ would see to the establishment of the state Health Insurance Scheme for all residents of and for the purposes connected therewith.
Addressing the House before the passage, the Chairman of the Committee on Health, Mr Adoga Onah (PDP-Oju 1) said that the bill had passed through public hearing and was widely accepted.
Onah explained that the bill, if passed, would ensure that every Benue resident has ready access to healthcare services.
He said that the bill would protect families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills and limit the rise in the cost of healthcare services.
The medical doctor turned lawmaker, further stated that the bill would ensure that the poor and vulnerable would be guaranteed the basic minimum package as defined under the National Health Act.
“The bill will also improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of healthcare services.
“The bill will ensure adequate distribution of health facilities within the state.
“The bill will ensure the availability of alternative sources of funding to the health sector for improved services,” Onah explained.
After clause to clause consideration of the bill, the Speaker, Mr Titus Uba, invited the Clerk of the house, Mr Terese Agena, to forward clean copy of the bill to Gov. Samuel Ortom for assent. (NAN)
