In line with these developments, we acknowledge your vision to bring the same level of transformational leadership to healthcare reforms in the country as evidenced in your campaign manifesto 10 Point Blue for National Development. We commend your recent statements of commitment to signing the Health Bill at various public forums.
Indeed, institutional re-arrangements, equity and quality assurance provisions of the National Health Bill, offer a huge opportunity for dramatically increasing Nigeria’s health gains. This will result in a better structured, resourced and evidence-based health system.
The fundamental problems that plague our health sector currently include:
- Weak policy and governance structures
- Inadequate, inefficient financing of health care
- Low quality of health services reducing utilization
- Human resource (HR) for health challenges
- Provider focused rather than client focused health system
Your Excellency, the above problems have resulted into these tragic realities:
- 1 million children die every year, 2740/day or 114/hour, the highest in the world
- 52,900 women die every year, 145/day or 44/hour, the 2nd highest in the world. A woman’s chance of dying from pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria is 1 in 13
- 292,000 newborn (1st 28 days of life) die every year 800/day or 33/hour, the 2nd highest in the world
- Life expectancy , Nigerian male 45 years and Nigerian Female 47 years lowest in Africa
Mr. President, we know that you are aware that the National Health Bill provides for:
- Free Medical Care for children under 5 years old, pregnant mothers, the elderly (above 65) and disabled people.
- A guaranteed basic minimum health package for all Nigerians
- Universal acceptance of accident cases by all Health facilities in Nigeria (Public and Private)
- Ensured quality of healthcare services through the issuance of Certificates of Standard (Public and Private).
These will result in improved health outcomes and better quality of life for all. The Bill provides a fundamental shift in the way healthcare services will be governed, planned, resourced, delivered and monitored. It deals squarely with the Nigerian health questions and priorities.
Health is a key driver of development, economic growth and security. Nigeria should get serious with providing for the health of her citizens. Achieving universal access to quality health services is a worthy investment towards public good.
“…President Jonathan is more devoted to rectifying the appalling state of health in Nigeria than has been apparent thus far. If he really is committed to providing equitable and affordable universal health care for all of his people, he should sign the National Health Bill immediately. There is no better way to say “…thank you” for electing him”. www.thelancet.com Vol. 377 June 4, 2011.
We know Sir, that you made commitment to sign the bill to the international community through the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the Secretary General of United National- Ban Ki-moon.
Mr. President Sir, the Nigerian Health sector reform coalition hereby call on you to assent to the health bill without further delay.
Dr. Ben Anyene
Chairman, HERFON BOT
For and on behalf of: The Health Sector Reform Coalition
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We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to the transformation of our dear nation into one of the strongest economies of the world before the end of this decade. Under your leadership, significant financial investments have been made into the Agricultural, Power, Information/Communication, Educational and other sectors. 
The Harmonised National Health Bill has been passed by the Senate and House of Reps.
