Date: 2017-03-17

The Kwara House of Assembly on Thursday passed a bill to make healthcare affordable and accessible throughout the State.

The bill titled "Kwara State Health Insurance Law" is sponsored by member representing Kiaima/Kemanji/Wajibe Constituency Mr. Ahmed Ibn Mohammed and has become the first private member bill passed by the current assembly.

The bill seeks to repeal the State Community Health Insurance law and make all categories of citizens have access to affordable health care delivery across the State.

The bill which would create a new State Health Insurance Scheme, also makes provisions for the vulnerable, including students, civil servants and private individuals.

The scheme according to the bill, is expected to be financed by at least one percent of the State's consolidated revenue, grant from the donor agencies, State's take off grant and premium to be paid by civil servants and other individuals.

Speaking shortly after the passage of the bill, the Speaker, Ali Ahmad expressed delight that the State was at the fore front of Community Health Insurance Scheme which took off in the State in 2007.

He said the people of the State would benefit greatly from the establishment of the scheme, pointing out that with the passage of the bill, the State has demonstrated that all segments of the society were important.