In agreement with the fact that Health is Wealth, Rivers lawmakers have unanimously endorsed the Bill emanating from the executive arm of Government seeking to provide a universal health scheme for citizens and residents of the state.
Debating on the bill,they in their respective submissions noted that the Bill will guarantee good health for the people and described it as people oriented bill.
The House Leader Hon. Martin Chike Ameawhule, Hon. Enemi George and Mathew Dike said that the scheme covers both public and private sector employees as well as the vulnerable people in the state and commended Rivers State Government for coming up with a scheme that is in line with the objectives of World Health Organization (WHO).
On his own part, the member representing Obio-Akpor Constituency two, Michael Okechukwu Chinda who observed that the percentage to be deducted from the employees was not stated in the bill suggested that the Government should state how much will be deducted from the salaries of civil servants to avoid protests from organised labour.
He also opined that the bill when passed into law should close the gap of unemployment by ensuring that those already in service are not considered for the job opportunities.
Speaker of the House, Owaji-Igbani in his remark assured that lawmakers must ensure that it meets the desires of the State Government when passed and eventually assented to.
Referring the bill to the House Committee on Health, Mr Speaker enjoined the committee to invite relevant stakeholders, hold public hearing and feel the pulse of the people before it is passed into law.
