Nigeria’s national health act 2014: a review of some of its implications and challenges

Abstract

Nigeria’s National Health Act 2014 was enacted on the 31st of October, 2014. The Act which provides a legal framework for the regulation and management of Nigeria’s national health system, bristles with implications such as the need for improved political commitment by government to the health of Nigerians, improved funding of Nigeria’s health sector, overseas medical treatment, rights of users, rights and obligations of healthcare personnel. Though the National Health Act was enacted over two years ago, not much has been done to operationalize the Act. This may be due to some challenges which are yet to be addressed. These challenges, amongst others, include poor knowledge of the Act by health professionals and members of the public,and poor political commitment by government to the implementation of the Act. This article is therefore aimed at reviewing Nigeria’s National Health Act 2014 with particular emphasis on its implications and challenges.

KEYWORDS: National Health act,Implications,Challenges