By James Joseph
A bill to achieve this has just passed the second reading stage at the House of Representatives.
Wednesday’s plenary of the House, where the bill scaled second reading, was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The long title of the bill, sponsored by the member representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Rep. Bello Kaoje, reads, “A Bill for an Act to make Healthcare Service Delivery free for all Children in Nigeria; and for Related Matters.”
However, some debate ensued on the floor before the bill eventually passed second reading.
A number of lawmakers held the view that the bill might conflict with the National Health Act, which already empowered the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to provide free medicare to children and women in rural communities.
The Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, for example, sought that the bill should rather be an amendment to the National Health Act to avoid duplication of functions.
The Speaker observed that the House needed to be convinced that the existing Act indeed made a provision for “free” medical service to all children in Nigeria.
The majority of members spoke in support of passing the bill for second reading and referral to the committee stage.
The bill was then passed for second reading by a majority voice vote.
