Bill To Improve Health Care Delivery Passes 2nd Reading

By Oduyemi Odumade

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres and Establish Federal Medical Centre Kwale, Delta State and for Related Matters has scaled second reading.

The bill which is Sponsored by Member representating Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Nnamdi Ezechi is seeking to improve access to medical healthcare for Nigerians in the region.

In leading the debate, the Lawmaker, stressed that with the proposed medical center which will be sited in the strategic central location of Kwale, the people will no longer have to travel long distance to access quality healthcare services.

He stated that Kwale is one of the oil-rich communities in Nigeria and it is unfair not to have a Federal Medical Center in the region.

The Lawmaker also noted that this establishment would reduce the burd on the existing Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, which is currently shouldering the healthcare needs of a much broader region.

Ezechi who pointed out thatl Ndokwa/Ukwuani had been devoid of any substantial federal government presence, except for the Nigerian Correctional Facility said the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kwale would bring fulfillment to the people of his constituency and himself.

He also emphasized that the alignment of this project with the government’s commitment to fortify the nation’s healthcare system as it represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and better public health outcomes for all.

The Lawmaker thereafter appealed to his colleagues to endorse the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kwale, not just as a local concern but as a matter of national importance.

The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Health Institutions.

Also at plenary, the House adopted the motion for the immediate rehabilitation of a 300meters link bridge between Asaba-ase and Uzere Communites in Ndokwa East and Isoko South Local Government of Delta State Sponsored by Mr Nnamdi Ezechi.

According to him, the collapsed bridge has led to the loss of lives and that due to the unavailability of the bridge, commuters are unable to access vital services needed for daily living.

The Green Chamber also received a petition from Mr. Nnamdi Ezechi against the Nigerian Police Force on the unlawful withholding of Salary, false accusations and dismissal of a Constituent, Inspector Fidelis Uti from Ulogwe- Isumpe, Utagba-Uno in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

The House acknowledged the gravity of this issue, and the petition was duly accepted and referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for a thorough examination and resolution.

Edited By Grace Namiji