A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Vision Spring Initiatives has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari led government to consider waiving health bills for the less privileged in the society.
Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, the director of the initiatives, Mrs Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, said health was enshrined as one of the fundamental right of every human being.
She contested that universal health coverage was key to reducing poverty and promoting equity and social cohesion, adding that government should be up to it responsibility of providing good health for every citizen.
“Government should invest in everyone’s health especially women, girls and hard to reach populations in order to ensure the achievement of positive health outcome.
“Currently, Nigeria health system is insufficient. To meet the expectation of leaving no one behind as espoused in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), we urge the Nigerian government to invest in its primary health facility.
Poor people should not pay for health at the expense of their food and the education of their children.
She also added that “Government should ensure comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and right as a means of tackling unmet needs of a whole range of services young people require; government should ensure gender budgeting, support domestic fund for health and reduce over dependence on external fundings; government should partner with Civil Social Organisations as they are very close to the people and can rovide useful tips on healthcare and well being.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential to protecting overall well being of women and girls. It is not a moral imperative but an economic imperative.
