Institutional Reforms: HOR Commits To Strengthening Health Sector

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s health sector through targeted legislation and institutional reforms.

Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on four healthcare related bills, organized by the house Committee on Speciality Healthcare, Dr Abbass said the proposed laws aim to establish specialized medical institutions in northern Nigeria, including a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Katsina State and National Orthopaedic Hospitals in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.

He explained that the bills were designed to make healthcare more accessible and effective, stressing that the bills are part of wider reforms by the 10th Assembly.

The speaker, who also praised the proposed obstetrics fistula centre for its focus in treating and rehabilitating women suffering from the condition, described the orthopaedic hospitals as strategic investments to extend critical care in the North-West region.

“The four bills under consideration are:

“A Bill for an Act to establish the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Babbar-Ruga, Katsina State. This centre will be dedicated to the treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, research, and training for women affected by obstetric fistula—a condition that demands urgent attention and care.

” A Bill proposing an amendment to the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board Act to provide for the establishment of a National Orthopaedic Hospital in Shinkafi, Zamfara State. This aims to expand access to critical orthopaedic services in the North-West region.

“A second amendment to the same Act, seeking to establish another National Orthopaedic Hospital in Yauri, Kebbi State. This facility will operate under the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board and will be affiliated with the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Teaching Hospital, ensuring a blend of academic training and specialist service and a third amendment to the Act, to set up a National Orthopaedic Hospital in Wamako, Sokoto State—further extending the reach of orthopaedic care across underserved areas in the region.

“These proposals are strategic investments in the health and dignity of our people, and they call for your wholesome participation for a meaningful outcome.

“As you engage with the contents of these bills, your input, contributions, and insights will be critical. The Committee is counting on your insights and experiences to help refine these legislative efforts and ensure they reflect the realities on the ground.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr Alex Egbona, said the bills will provide a legislative framework to facilitate treatment, research, and training, while ensuring the proposed hospitals operate under the Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Board and in affiliation with federal teaching hospitals.

“The House of Representatives had variously concluded debates on the general principles, read for the second Time, and referred the under listed Bills to the Committee on Speciality Healthcare for further legislative action.

It is important to note that this Committee was established at the inception of the 10t National Assembly under the able leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas to oversee all specialised health institutions in Nigeria, including Obstetrics Fistula Centres, Orthopaedic Hospitals, and related health institutions.”

Mr Egbona emphasized inclusive participation in the lawmaking process, urging Nigerians to contribute their views to help shape effective health policies.

“The Public Hearing therefore, opens a window of participation to identified stakeholders and indeed all Nigerians, in line with the inclusive and participatory legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives under the able leadership of our Speaker, Rt. Hon.
Tajudeen Abbas Ph.D. You are therefore encouraged to make your views known in this hearing and submissions to the Committee, ” he said .

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji