AWKA/Nigeria: In a bid to combat quackery and enhance the healthcare standards for residents, the Anambra State House of Assembly has successfully passed a significant bill. The legislation, titled the ‘Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency Bill 2024’, received unanimous approval following its third reading on Thursday.
During the session, lawmakers meticulously examined the 35-clause executive bill, presented by Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader and representative of Ekwusigo Constituency. The Speaker, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze, facilitated a thorough discussion, conducting a voice vote on each clause before the bill’s eventual passage.
The decision to approve the bill came after careful consideration of the report submitted by Mr. Tony Mobuike, Chairman of the House Committee on Health. Subsequently, Speaker Udeze instructed the Acting Clerk, Mr. Okechukwu Nwobi, to deliver a clean copy of the bill to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his assent.
The primary objective of the bill is to establish a robust legal framework for the accreditation and monitoring of both private and public health facilities within the state. Notably, the legislation mandates that only licensed health professionals can practice within these facilities.
Speaking to reporters following the plenary session, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and representative of Aguata Constituency II, Mr. Tony Mobuike, emphasized the necessity of the bill in regulating the health sector.
“Hospitals, diagnostic clinics, and laboratories operate without proper oversight in the state due to the lack of regulations,” Mobuike stated. “This bill will establish an agency to ensure every health facility is registered and compliant with the law.”
He further elaborated on the potential benefits, stating, “When this bill is signed into law, it will help identify fake medical practitioners, elevate the quality of healthcare services, and mitigate health risks for patients.”
The passing of this bill marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the health and well-being of Anambra State residents, promising a more regulated and accountable healthcare system.
