The Federal government has been urged to prioritize the implementation of the National Health Act in Nigeria that will ensure universal health coverage to Nigerians particularly to the less privileged.
Commissioner for health, Ogun state, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye made this known at the closing ceremony of the 4th NMA Games held in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
Ipaye says the passage of the National health act is the best of the legislation that has come within the health sector space, noting that the economic status of the country should not become a barrier for people to access healthcare thereby calling on government to implement the act in order to take care of the average Nigerian citizen.
On his part, National President, Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Mike Ogirima says the Federal government should prioritize the health status of the average Nigerian. He says if prioritized, it will reduce the numbers of doctors leaving the country seeking refuge elsewhere.
On the programs government can do to address public health issues holistically in Nigeria, Dr. Ipaye says the government must invest in health insurance, urging the Federal government to take a cue from the Araya health insurance scheme the state government currently runs.
Giving an appraisal of the games, NMA Ogun state chairman, Dr. Abayomi Olajide says various professional health bodies were represented and the games promoted culture transfer among continents.
Reports by John Felix
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