The House of Representatives has assured relevant stakeholders in the Healthcare sector of its readiness to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act 2002 and to expedite the passage of sixteen Bills seeking to establish new Federal Tertiary Heath Institutions across the Federation.
The Speaker of House of the Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD. gave the assurance in Abuja at a public hearing on 16 Bills aimed at establishing one Health Institution or the other in each State of the Federation organized by the House Committee on Health Institutions on Thursday.
The Speaker, who was represented by Hon. Martins Oke, said that the House is committed to making good laws for peace, progress, and good governance of Nigeria.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji expressed concern over the migration of health workers across the shores of Nigeria, saying it possess significant challenge to the nation’s health care system.
Hon. Magaji also emphasized the need to build hospitals closer to the people, particularly in rural and suburban areas, to complement Government initiatives to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
(Upsound Hon. Martins Oke, Rep. Speaker and Hon Amos Magaji Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Maki Yelleman, Member)
Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, while at the hearing, said the Ministry has no objection to the proposed Establishments, but they should be based on merit.
Prof. Pate, who was represented by the Director in the Ministry, Dr. Jimoh Salahudeen further explained that the fact that the Government is reducing costs in governance, it will be counterproductive to establish already existing institutions.
On its part, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) President, Bala Mohammad who was represented by Benjamin Oluwatosin while commending the sponsors of these bills for their foresight, made suggestions on the best way to strengthen these facilities as well as the existing ones in accordance with global best practices.
(Upsound Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen Rep. Minister Of Health and Benjamin Oluwatosin Rep. Nma, Ahmed Ahijo)
The proposed Health Institutions include Federal Medical Centre Epe Lagos State, Federal Medical Center Mallam Madori Jigawa State, Federal Medical Centre Isi Ala Ngwa Abia State, Federal Medical Centre Afam Rivers State and Federal Medical Centre Itigidi Cross River State amongst others.
END.