The House of Representatives has passed for second reading two health-related bills sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, seeking to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Nkpa and a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bende, both in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The bills, which scaled through during Wednesday’s plenary, are aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding medical education in Nigeria.
The first bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpa, Bende, Abia State to Provide Training and Research in General Nursing, Midwifery and Other Specialties of Nursing, and for Related Matters,” seeks to establish a federal institution dedicated to the training of nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals.
The proposed legislation is co-sponsored by Hon. Abussamad Dasuki, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode and Hon. Chris Nkwonta.
The second bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act; to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Bende, Abia State; and for Other Related Matters,” seeks to create a Federal Medical Centre in Bende to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the constituency and neighbouring communities.
It is co-sponsored by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Nasiru Shehu, Hon. Joshua Gana and Hon. Tolani Shagaya.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the College of Nursing and Midwifery Bill, Kalu said the proposed institution had become necessary in view of the growing demand for nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals across Nigeria.
He noted that the country continues to experience a shortage of trained medical personnel due to the migration of health workers to other countries, stressing that government should respond by increasing investment in the education and training of healthcare professionals.
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According to the Deputy Speaker, rather than attempting to halt the migration of medical workers, Nigeria should position itself to meet both local and international demand by producing more qualified professionals.
Kalu described education as a critical driver of national development, social equality and economic opportunity, adding that specialised institutions in medical and health sciences remain essential for developing the skilled workforce required to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
He warned that Nigeria’s health indicators could continue to decline if urgent measures are not taken to address the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by the continued exodus of trained personnel.
Speaking on the proposed Federal Medical Centre, the Deputy Speaker said the institution would decentralise access to quality healthcare services, reduce the burden of long-distance travel for patients seeking specialist care and improve health outcomes for residents.
He emphasised that expanding the network of Federal Medical Centres across the country would bring quality medical services closer to the people and strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Following extensive debate, members of the House overwhelmingly supported both bills, which were subsequently referred to the relevant House Committees for further legislative consideration.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, the bills are expected to significantly boost medical education, healthcare infrastructure and access to quality health services in Bende Federal Constituency and Abia State.
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