The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare. Akpabio made this statement during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The hearing addressed several bills, including the “Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Toro, Bauchi State (Amendment) Bill, 2024” and the “National Eye Centre Doma, Nasarawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024.”
Represented by Senator Osita Ngwu, Akpabio emphasized the lawmakers’ duty to ensure that all Nigerians receive the healthcare they need. “We must ensure that every Nigerian has access to the care they need, when they need it,” he said. “By supporting these bills, we are fulfilling our constitutional mandate and demonstrating our dedication to the health and welfare of our people.”
Akpabio highlighted the significant role of the public hearing in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria. “These bills are not just pieces of legislation; they are the building blocks upon which we will construct a stronger, more resilient healthcare sector capable of meeting the needs of our people,” he noted. He praised the foresight, passion, and commitment of the Senate colleagues who sponsored these bills, recognizing their dedication to the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Acknowledging the challenges many Nigerians face in accessing quality healthcare, Akpabio stressed the importance of establishing specialized institutions like orthopaedic hospitals and eye treatment centers. “In a country where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many, establishing these institutions is not just a necessity but a moral imperative,” he said.
He expressed concern over the state of health infrastructure in Nigeria, noting that the country lags behind other developing nations in terms of modern medical facilities and resources. “This is a stark reality we cannot afford to ignore. The introduction of legislation to develop and manage our healthcare infrastructure is a crucial step toward bridging this gap and modernizing our healthcare systems,” Akpabio added.
Senator Shehu Buba (APC-Bauchi) sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Toro, Bauchi State. Buba explained that the hospital would provide comprehensive orthopaedic care, including joint replacements, fracture treatment, and arthritis management, addressing a significant healthcare gap in the northeastern region of Nigeria, particularly in Bauchi State.
“The hospital will bring healthcare closer to the people at a reduced cost compared to private hospitals and significantly reduce the need for health tourism to other countries,” Buba said. He also noted that the establishment of the hospital would stimulate economic growth, foster inter-regional integration, create job opportunities, and deter patients from relying on traditional bone setters in the absence of specialized orthopaedic care.
With these initiatives, the National Assembly aims to enhance healthcare access and quality across Nigeria, ensuring that all citizens receive the medical care they need and deserve.
