House of Representatives Demands Increased Health Funding

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Government to enhance funding for federal teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, National Hospital Abuja, and other tertiary health institutions due to inadequate resources undermining specialist healthcare delivery. This motion was introduced by Patrick Umoh (Rep, IKOT EKPENE/ESSEN UDIM/Obot Akara) during a plenary session.

Umoh pointed out the declining health budget allocations, poor infrastructure, and inadequate medical equipment, which have led to overcrowded hospitals and delays in treatment. He noted that only 30 percent of the health sector's 2023 capital appropriation was released, and only N36 million was released from the N218 billion allocated for the Ministry of Health's 2025 capital expenditure.

The House urged the government to increase allocations in the 2027 Supplementary Appropriation Bill and establish a dedicated infrastructure revitalisation programme. Additionally, they called for a comprehensive assessment of staffing needs and improved welfare packages for healthcare professionals to retain them in public hospitals.