How To Make New Health Facility Bill Work – Stakeholders

Stakeholders in the health sector say all hands must be on deck to make the new Health Care Facility Bill 2018 effective in the state.
Baring their views during a public hearing organised by the State House of Assembly recently, most of the stakeholders drawn from the medical and legal sectors averred that the new bill will only be effective if both private and public health practitioners join hands to make it work.
Speaking through a representative, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Zacheaus Adango suggested that the bill should be made to cover for shortcoming and allow the public to make inputs in any area of shortcoming.
He opined that since the essence of the bill was to improve health care provision and delivery, there should be room to provide for minimum standards such that any one that fails to meet such will be penalized.
In addition, he insisted that all healthcare facilities should be manned by qualified personnel to ensure quality services.
Also speaking, Secretary of the General Medical Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Owaluyi while commending the Assembly for coming up with the bill picked holes in some clauses regarding payment of taxes by medical facility owners.
Dr. Owaluyi said such taxes will amount to multiple taxation, further stating that registration of facilities and hospitals should take into cognizance what obtains in neighbouring states.
On the renewing of licence of operations by facility owners, Dr. Owaluyi declared, “We are of the opinion that more time should be given for the renewal of operation permits, especially not less than 90 days.”
He also suggested that the Health Facility Inspection Team that would be set up once the bill becomes law should comprise all medical practitioners bodies.
On her part, representative of Allied Health Professionals, Dr. Chinyere Nwaneri harped on the need for a joint effort by all medical practitioners.
Dr. Nwaneri enjoined the Assembly to review areas affecting the renewal of licence of operations, as she pleaded that the period of grace be extended to at least 90 days.
She maintained that it is the responsibility of professionals to provide quality healthcare to Rivers people, but that such can be achieved when the laws are humane and reflect reality on ground.
Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Adonye Diri said the bill is not aimed to witch-hunt anybody, but to instil sanity in the health sector.
Hon. Diri argued that the health sector is a sensitive sector that should be monitored properly, as he reasoned that the bill is aimed at eliminating quacks, and improving professionalism.
The lawmaker assured stakeholders that all their views would be studied to ensure that a better law is finally enacted for the good of all.