NATIONAL HEALTH ACT

An Act creating a unified health system by setting standards and establishing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. It defines rights and obligations for patients, providers, and health workers nationwide. The Act aims to improve access to care, reduce maternal mortality, and eliminate quack practices in the Nigerian health sector.

What Is This Policy?

It created the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, set standards for health services, and established rights and obligations for both patients and providers.

Who Does It Target?

The National Health Act (2014) targets government institutions, healthcare providers, patients, health workers, regulatory agencies, and donors

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The National Health Act (2014) aims to create a unified health system, improve access to care, eliminate quack practices, reduce maternal and infant mortality, regulate blood/tissue use, strengthen health workforce, and establish a research system.

Key Features

Maternal & Child Health Focus: Prioritizes reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, aligning with global health targets such as the MDGs and SDGs. Elimination of Quack Practices: Explicitly seeks to eliminate unqualified health practices and promote professionalism in the sector. National Health Research & Information System: Establishes a system for health research and data collection to support evidence-based policymaking.

Current Status

Rollout Stage:implemented (2014) Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Primary healthcare centers, hospitals, citizens Funding: federal Government, Donor Contribution

How to Access

Public Health Portal (Free PDF Download) Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette Law Nigeria (Premium Access) Offers downloadable copies of the Act for a fee (₦2000).

Important Terms

Term 1- Human Resources for Health Provides guidelines for training, deployment, and regulation of health workers, aiming for equitable distribution nationwide. Term 2- Health Establishments & Technologies Sets standards for hospitals, clinics, and medical technologies to ensure quality and safety.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Nigeria) Website: https://www.health.gov.ng This is the primary government portal for health policy, including the National Health Act. 📌 Contact Information Email: [email protected] Physical Address: Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, FCT Abuja, Nigeria. Telephone (HQ Abuja): +234-9-5238362 / +234-9-5234590 Postal Address: P.M.B 083, Garki, Abuja Link to the document - Link to document

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Chapter II, Section 17(3)(d) on health); National Health Act 2014 (principal Act); Medical and Dental Practitioners Act; Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act; NAFDAC Act