A Legislative Agenda for Reducing Existing Disparities in Maternal and Child Health Care in Nigeria
Rifkatu Nghargbu
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Nigeria.
Chukwuemeka Onyimadu *
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Nigeria.
Ezechinyere Ibe
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A key indicator of the SDG goal of attaining Universal Health Coverage is the access to quality essential health care services, access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. Although The Federal Government of Nigeria has adopted the SDGs, data from UNICEF’s Multiple Cluster survey 2016 – 2017 indicates a severe disparity in health care service coverage among poor women and children who reside in rural areas. To this end, this communication advocates that the National Assembly ensures that 15% - 20% of health expenditure goes to Primary Health Care. Also, the amendment of the NHIS Act to include community based insurance schemes and employ its powers of scrutiny and oversight functions in order to reduce the dearth in Primary Health care facilities in rural areas.
Keywords: Primary health, universal health coverage, health finance, poverty, gender disparity, child health care, Nigeria