Kwara House Of Assembly Passes Health Bill Into Law

Stephen Oni/ Ilorin

A bill to give legal backing to the Community Health Insurance Scheme of the Kwara State Government has been passed into law by the State House of Assembly.

The bill tagged “The State Health Insurance Scheme 2012” scaled through third reading on the floor of the House following the final consideration of the report of the House Committee on Health and Environment by the legislators.

The Speaker, Razak Atunwa while directing the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the bill for governor’s assent, said the bill has satisfied the requirement of the 1999 Constitution as amended and the rule of the House.

The bill is aimed at providing affordable quality healthcare for low income earners in the state.

Also, a bill for a law to establish the Kwara State Urban Regional Planning Board and Provision For Urban and Regional Planning passed through the second reading on the floor of the house.

Moving themotion for the debate, the Majority Leader, AbdulGaniyu Abdul Kareem listed the numerous benefits of the bill when passed into law, pointing out that it will pave way for proper planning of every part of the state.

Hassan Oyeleke, Ebun Owolabi, Audu Liman Seidu, Kamal Fagbemi, David Bamidele, Segilola Jimoh, Raliat Aremu Adifa, Suleiman Sunaboro and Layonu Tope noted that the bill when passed into law would among other things address health hazard, fast track mailing, and called for accelerated passage of the bill.

While calling for proper registration and sensitization of Customary Land Owners, they advocated that the board should be given more powers to enforce the law.

The Speaker, while responding, noted the overwhelming support of members which underscores the importance of the bill.

He then urged the House Committee on Land and Housing, Rules and Business to prepare the bill for the next legislative stage.