Saraki wants universal health coverage

Senate President Bukola Saraki has described the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a right of all Nigerians, irrespective of status in life.

Launching the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage in Abuja, he said government at all levels must strive to situate the nation’s health resources to optimally service the people.

“Therefore, in addressing the issue of financing healthcare in a sustainable manner to reach all Nigerians, I believe it is possible to achieve universal health coverage. It is the right of our people and we must achieve it,” he stated.

“As it is said, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. In our efforts to revive the wealth of our nation, the health of our people must remain paramount. We must therefore, strive to situate our health resources to optimally serve our population.

“As a nation, we have opted to adopt the UHC, which seeks to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship, when paying for them”, he stated.

In his address, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole stressed the need for the implementation of the National Health Act, 2014, which stipulates that 1 percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) be dedicated to the Health sector by 2018 budget.