Nursing and Midwifery Colleges Bills Pass Second Reading

On Wednesday, two health-related bills sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, passed their second reading. The first bill aims to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Nkpa, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, co-sponsored by Abussamad Dasuki, Kelechi Nwogu, Akiolu Moshood Kayode, and Chris Nkwonta.

The second bill seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Bende, co-sponsored by Chris Nkwonta, Nasiru Shehu, Joshua Gana, and Tolani Shagaya. During the debate, Mr. Kalu emphasized the importance of specialized colleges for training essential health personnel, noting the country's loss of trained medical professionals to migration.

He argued that the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre would decentralize access to quality healthcare, reduce travel costs for patients, and protect citizens' health. Both bills were referred to the relevant House Committees for further legislative action after receiving endorsement from House members.