Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for the equitable distribution of National Hospitals across the country to ensure improved access to specialised healthcare services for all citizens.
The call was made during a public hearing on four health-related bills, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiak Adekunle, expressed the Federal Ministry of Health’s support for the establishment of the proposed health institutions, noting their relevance in addressing Nigeria’s growing healthcare needs.
Representatives of various non-governmental organisations also backed the bills. On behalf of the coalition, Dr Peters Ogumaye, Executive Director of Sustainable Health, welcomed the move to establish specialised hospitals for women and urged that such facilities be appropriately named to reflect their intended focus on women’s health.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alex Egbona, reiterated the House’s commitment to providing the legislative framework necessary for strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He said the hearing focused on four key bills:
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Babbar-Ruga, Katsina State – to support treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, research, and training. (HB.1190)
2. A Bill to Amend the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board Act, to establish the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Shinkafi, Zamfara State. (HB.2159)
3. A Bill to Amend the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board Act, to establish the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Yauri, Kebbi State, affiliated with the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Teaching Hospital. (HB.2193)
4. A Bill to Amend the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board Act, to establish the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Wamako, Sokoto State. (HB.2127)
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Hon. Egbona explained that the bills are part of efforts by the 10th National Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to strengthen the oversight and legislative backing for all specialised health institutions, including Obstetric Fistula Centres and Orthopaedic Hospitals.
“These bills aim to provide legislative and legal backing for the establishment of specialised institutions across the country, ensuring equitable access to treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, research, and training in critical health areas,” Egbona said.
He added that the geographical spread of the proposed hospitals reflects the commitment to ensure no region is left behind in the provision of specialised healthcare services.
Committee members commended stakeholders for their input and assured that the bills would receive speedy passage, emphasising their importance in expanding healthcare coverage and improving outcomes nationwide.