By Joy Odor
The Chairman, Senate Commitee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC Kwara Central) has informed that the continuity in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority Act (NHIA) recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari depends if Nigerians vote those who initiated the bill back to 10th National Assembly come 2023 general election.
The Kwara Senator who stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja at the National Assembly on Monday explained that the Act has provided opportunity for all Nigerians to have health insurance.
The Lawmaker listed success factors of the bill to include, collaboration between the two Chambers of the National Assembly, particularly between the leadership, tripartite collaboration between the legislature, executive and civil society organisations and the listening ear of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Senator Oloriegbe vowed that if elected back with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon Tanko Sununu, they would monitor the Act through oversight.
He said the passion deployed by them in seeing to the passage of the bill and assent by President Buhari would be deployed into its strict implementation through effective oversights.
“We still have one year to continue to provide service for the citizens of this country. Within that time we will do our best to make sure that the very important bill, is implemented.
“As the two of us are seeking reelection, we hope we would be reelected. Whatever is the outcome, we would definitely make sure that the implementation come to fruition.
“It is part of the commitment that I’m here today. We are currently in the heat of campaign activities for primaries. I say this is a national assignment and this is service to Nigeria.
“I had to leave my campaign and flew in and I will be flying back to Ilorin my base to continue with my campaign.
“My colleague in the House of Representatives is also busy campaigning for reelection.
“We are very committed to this. We are looking at the 2022 budget of the NHIA to see how we could make some amendments to it to see that the Act is implemented”, he said .
“Every person resident in Nigeria by provisions of this Act , is expected to obtain health insurance and by extension, have access to health care services”.
