IPU 132 delegates discuss basic health rights for women and children

An interactive debate on implementation of the 2012 IPU resolution “Access to health as a basic right: the role of parliaments in addressing key challenges to securing the health of women and children” opened this morning in Hanoi. Many parliamentarians were present at the debate to report on experiences in their countries as well as contribute their ideas to the resolution.

The United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals included two goals related to women’s and children’s health. In a bid to help IPU members achieve those goals, a resolution was adopted at the 126th IPU Assembly in 2012 with the title “Access to Health as a basic right: The role of parliaments in addressing key challenges to securing the health of women and children.” After 3 years, IPU member countries are now gathered in Hanoi to present their progress on the implementation of the resolution. Four case studies were presented at the debate as examples of parliaments increasing their role in helping women and children access health care. Uganda was one of the four cases.

"Through our committee on health and through parliament, we have increased budget allocation on the health sector. Through this, we have managed to recruit more doctors and also what we call the gender equalized that is supposed to ensure that government budget is prioritized for the need of both men and women are equally", Mrs Betty Amongi, Chairwoman, Women’s Caucus in Parliament of Uganda said.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Vietnamese delegation also shared their achievements on the implementing the adopted resolution on accessing health rights for women and children.

Mrs. Nguyen Thuy Anh, Vice chairman, NA Committee for Social Affairs declared: “After the resolution was passed in 2012, Vietnam also approved the revised law on Health Insurance in order to increase the number of people with health coverage, especially women and children. The revised law also ensures that children under 6 years old have free health coverage".

This is the first time in 3 years an implementation of a resolution adopted at IPU is being reviewed. It shows the determination of the IPU’s Standing Committee in ensuring “turning words into actions” as it is also the main theme of this 132nd IPU.