Senate passes Health Emergency Bill

The Senate Wednesday passed a bill to provide for a national framework for the control of outbreaks of infectious diseases in Nigeria.

This followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases.

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The proposed legislation entitled, “Bill for an Act to Provide for an Effective National Framework for the Control of Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases and Other Events Endangering Public Health and Requiring Public Health Emergency Measures and For Other Related Matters (SB. 413)”, generated public outrage when it was introduced in June 2020 over provision on compulsory immunization.

But Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu), who chaired the committee, had said no individual would be subjected to forced immunization under the proposed legislation.

During public hearing in May 2021, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, faulted the bill, saying some of its provisions were conflicting with the functions of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Utazi yesterday, said the proposed law would ensure a timely response, control and management of public health emergencies coupled with necessary checks and balances, accountability and control.