The Speaker of the House of Representatives emphasized the importance of effective oversight by relevant committees to ensure satisfactory healthcare services for Nigerians. This statement was made during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Healthy Specialty Care and Services. The hearing discussed a proposed bill to establish an Orthopaedic Hospital in Billiri, Gombe State, aiming to bridge the healthcare gap in the Northeast by providing specialized care.
The Speaker reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly through specialized institutions. The bill was highlighted as a crucial step in addressing healthcare needs in Gombe State and the wider healthcare system. The Chairman of the Committee explained that the bill aims to establish the Orthopaedic Hospital in Billiri under the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board to offer specialized orthopaedic treatment and medical services affiliated with the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Health emphasized the necessity of specialized healthcare facilities due to population growth and increased demand for services. The proposed location of the hospital in Billiri was deemed strategic for providing easy access to patients from various states in need of specialized care. The Commissioner stressed the importance of improving healthcare indicators, training, research, and expert management to meet international standards.
It was also mentioned that the establishment of the hospital would benefit millions of people by offering quality healthcare services. Brig Gen Nuhu Adeh (retd) highlighted the presence of three orthopaedic hospitals in Kano, Lagos, and Enugu States across different regions in Nigeria.