The Federal House of Representatives is considering a Bill seeking to prohibit the use of public funds for medical trips by government officials.

The Bill, sponsored by Honourable Sergius Ogun (PDP-Edo), was read for the second time at the plenary on Wednesday.

While leading the debate on the floor of the House, Mr Ogun said the Bill would positively impact the lives and wellbeing of the people.

Mr Ogun said that the act forbids that any public officer should seek medical check-up abroad except on recommendation which must be approved by the minister or commissioner for health.

He added that the Bill has three clauses, which are: the enactment clause, the amendment clause of the principal Act, and clause three is the citation.

The House also placed a N500 million fine and seven years imprisonment for any public official who violated the Act.

Mr Ogun said the amendment was born out of a desire to discourage medical treatment abroad at the detriment of indigenous health institutions.

“It is no news that Nigeria’s health care system is in a deplorable state and needs urgent attention,” he admitted.

Rep Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun) who had earlier seconded the bill, however, sought to withdraw his support, saying, ” I regret to withdraw my secondment of this Bill.”

But Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House who presided over plenary said that once a motion was seconded, there is no opportunity to withdraw.

Toby Okechukwu (PDP-Enugu) in his contribution, said that the bill was only seeking to cure some mischief, adding that it is an offence to use public money for personal gain.

Tajudeen Yusuf  (PDP-Kogi) in his contribution said that the bill was only seeking an amendment to an existing Act.

(NAN)