Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has launched the Patient Bill of Rights which he said is a significant contribution in establishing the right to life in which inheres the right to adequate healthcare.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, he said the initiative was to set and commit to a new standard that both acknowledges and commits to uphold some of the most fundamental principles of our common humanity.
Osinbajo stated that the Patients Bill of Rights is a remarkable effort at consensus and common purpose, in the face of the many challenges of our health care system in Nigeria.
He said: “It cuts out the noise and distractions, and focuses on what is truly most important: putting people first. It serves as a code of accountability, constantly reminding us of the primary purpose of the healthcare system, and of the obligations of every player and stakeholder in that system. It helps clarify consumers’ expectations of providers and the providers’ responsibilities to consumers.
“In terms of policy and funding, we, as a government, are acutely aware of the challenges of Nigeria’s health sector. And that is why we are single-mindedly pursuing the attainment of Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians.”
The Vice President observed that the Patients’ Bill of Rights is a very timely complement to these policy and funding interventions.
Osinbajo affirmed that government’s aim is to develop a standard worthy of emulation, by ensuring strict compliance with and the enforcement of the Patients’ Bill of Rights.