Tertiary Health: House of Reps Hold Public Hearing On FMC Ankpa Bill Sponsored By Hon. Halims
By Muhammed Nasiru Adejoh
The House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions Has conducted a one day public hearing on a bill for an act to establish the Federal Medical Centre, Ankpa, Kogi State and For other matters related therewith as sponsored by Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State.
In his presentation, the sponsor who doubles as Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, noted that health is an essential aspect of life, which deserves maximum attention at all time and the best way to insure it is making available access to best medical facilities which he added can only be obtained through a tertiary health institution like the bill proposes.
At the public hearing, the Federal Lawmaker argued that the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja is too far for the people of Ankpa to access whenever there is an emergency. He recounted instances of patients falling prey to kidnappers while travelling to Lokoja for medical services.
Speaking on behalf of the Ankpa Progressives Forum, Comr. Hassan Yakubu commended Rep. Halims for the bill. He commended the leadership of the House Committee on Health Institutions for the timely public hearing and pleaded that the bill be given a speedy process adding that its significance is not to the livelihood of Ankpa Federal Constituency people alone but Igala land at large.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Dr.) Paschal Chidozie Obi in his closing remarks said the committee was aware of the policy of the ministry on the establishment of FMCs, adding that the committee will consult further with the federal ministry of health before we will submit a report to the House of Representatives. Be rest assured that we will do justice to the bill you have brought to us.
