Imo considers Bill for compulsory provision of emergency medical services

Imo considers Bill for compulsory provision of emergency medical services
By Ugonne Uzoma
Healthcare
Owerri, May 22, 2018 (NAN) A Bill for a Law requiring the provision of emergency medical services at mass gathering events and other related matters has passed second reading at the Imo House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Reading the Bill, the Chief sponsor, Mr Arthur Egwim (APC-Ideato North), decried the non-provision of emergency medical services at special gatherings of more than 100 persons in the state.
He explained that the proposed law, if passed, would ensure that there were healthcare professionals to attend to emergencies which may arise in the course of events involving crowds.
He listed such events to include political rallies, social or religious gatherings, crusades and other special events which would attract more than 100 persons, including young children.
The Bill also called for a fine of not more than N500,000 or a prison term not exceeding two years for defaulters and persons obstructing duties of healthcare providers.
Supporting the Bill, Mrs Uju Onwudiwe (APC-Njaba) described it as timely especially with the onset of political rallies in the state.
Contributing on the debate, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Lugard Osuji (APC-Owerri Municipal) however called for the reduction of the penalties.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Acho Ihim, ruled in favour of the Bill after votes and committed it to the House Committee on Health for further action.
Ihim directed the committee the committee report back its inputs on May 30. (NAN)
UOI/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola