Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for a fair and balanced distribution of national hospitals across the country, emphasizing the importance of access to specialized healthcare facilities for all regions.
This appeal was made during a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare on four health-related bills. The hearing took place in Abuja and drew participants from government, civil society, and professional groups.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiak Adekunle, ministry official Jimoh Salahudeen expressed the ministry’s support for the establishment of specialized hospitals, citing their potential to improve access and quality of care.
Civil society groups, represented by Dr. Peters Ogumaye of Sustainable Health, also backed the initiative. He advocated for the clear designation of hospitals dedicated to women’s health, stressing that such clarity would ensure proper resource allocation and patient-centered care.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alex Egbona, reaffirmed the House’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare system through legislative efforts. He cited four bills under consideration, which propose the establishment of new specialized hospitals focused on obstetric fistula treatment and orthopaedic care in Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.
Hon. Egbona emphasized that these proposed institutions would not only provide treatment but also serve as centers for research and medical training. He assured stakeholders that the House would act promptly on the bills to ensure improved healthcare delivery nationwide.
