The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare system of Abuja, theFederal Capital Territory (FCT)
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare system of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It also urged the government to design a long-term healthcare infrastructure development plan that aligns with the growing population of the FCT, ensuring sustainable and quality healthcare delivery.
It added that the government must also ensure that emergency funds are released for the upgrade of hospitals, recruitment of medical personnel and acquisition of critical medical equipment
Adopting a motion of urgent importance by Rep. Nnamchi Ezechi, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the FCT Administration, to immediately assess the state of health facilities in the FCT with the aim of identifying critical areas for expansion, upgrade, and resource allocation.
ALSO READ: Reps seek free healthcare for pregnant women
Presenting the motion, Rep. Ezechi, highlighted the deteriorating state of medical infrastructure in the FCT and the dire consequences it poses for residents.
“The healthcare system in the Federal Capital Territory is on the verge of collapse. Government hospitals are severely overstretched. Patients are left unattended, bed spaces are grossly inadequate, and there’s a critical shortage of doctors, nurses, and other essential staff,” he said
He noted that despite the rapid population growth in the FCT over the last two decades, most government hospitals remain stuck at their original capacity with little or no expansion.
“Many of these hospitals were built years ago and have not kept pace with the population explosion. We are seeing long queues for emergency care, delayed treatment, and in some cases, preventable deaths — all due to lack of infrastructure and personnel,” he lamented.
The lawmaker expressed worry that without swift and strategic action, the crisis could escalate beyond control, undermining the fundamental right to health and threatening the lives of millions residing in the nation’s capital.
He expressed optimism that only strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure in the FCT along with a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals will address the urgent needs and ensure better health outcomes.
The House resolved to constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the current state of healthcare facilities in the FCT.
The committee is expected to submit a report within four weeks with recommendations for improvement
It also encouraged the FCT Administration to partner with private sector stakeholders and international health agencies to boost capacity in the short term while long-term solutions are being implemented.
