House Inaugurates Committee To Address Rising mental health Challenges

By Gloria Essien, Abuja

On Dec 22, 2023

Following the challenge of rising cases of mental health in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has inaugurated a standing committee to address the challenge. Known as Committee on Specialty Healthcare, the Committee is chaired by Hon Alex Egbona.

The Chairman of the Committee Hon Alex Egbona, while inaugurating it said that mental health issues require proper oversight and legislative intervention.

He said same applies to other health related challenges under the jurisdiction of the Committee.

The lawmakers also said that the Committee on Specialty HealthCare is established pursuant to sections 62, 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Standing Orders of the House of Representatives to ensure effective oversight of the health sector of the economy.

“The Honorable Speaker graciously appointed me to lead you my honourable colleagues on this assignment with Hon. Lawan Shettima as Deputy Chairman. The mandate of the Committee covers all Specialist Hospitals, Orthopaedic Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Eye Hospitals, Blood Transfusion Services, Ear Care Centres, Obstetrics Fistula Centres, Schools of Dental Technology and Oral Health Programmes in Nigeria, Schools of Occupational Therapy, Colleges of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Schools of Medical Laboratory Technology, and annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to be jointly oversighted with related Health Committees of the House.

“I am happy to note that this Committee is made up of well-respected and experienced Members, including ranking Members of the House of Representatives and I am personally grateful to the Speaker for finding me worthy to Chair the Committee. I therefore urge all Members to show commitment and dedication in carrying out our duties. As you may be aware new Orthopaedic and Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals were recently established in parts of the country that require legislative and legal frameworks, the challenge of raising cases of mental health in the country and other health related challenges under the jurisdiction of the Committee require proper oversight and legislative intervention.

“By the powers vested on me as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare, I therefore formally inaugurate the Committee for maximum legislative performance and effective oversight,” he added.

He however, urged members of the committee to bring their experiences to bear in the discharge of their duties.