SENATE PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IN MANCHOK. PHOTO).

 Senate Passes Bill To Establish Federal Teaching Hospital In Manchok

The Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, seeking to establish a Federal Teaching Hospital in Manchok, Kaduna State.

The passage of the bill marks a significant step towards the establishment of the proposed healthcare institution, which is expected to improve access to quality medical services and strengthen healthcare delivery in Southern Kaduna.

The bill was passed on Wednesday after the Senate considered a report presented by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary). The report was presented by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central) on behalf of the committee's chairman, Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry (APC, Rivers West).

The proposed hospital is expected to serve as a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, while contributing to medical education, specialised healthcare and the development of the country's health sector.

Presenting the committee's report, Ningi explained that the committee had carefully examined the bill, consulted legal drafting experts and reviewed its provisions clause by clause.

He noted that the establishment of the hospital would help address the shortage of medical personnel and improve healthcare services in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country.

According to him, the bill seeks to amend the First Schedule of the principal Act to include the Federal University of Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital, Kachia.

The committee subsequently recommended that the Senate approve the bill. The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), seconded the motion for the consideration of the report and supported the proposed establishment of the institution.

The Senate later approved the relevant provisions of the bill in line with the committee's recommendations after resolving into the Committee of the Whole, where lawmakers considered the bill clause by clause.

Following the passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for its efforts in facilitating the successful consideration of the legislation.

The bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Reacting to the development, Katung expressed appreciation to the Senate President, the leadership and members of the Senate for their support towards the passage of the bill.

He described the development as an important milestone in the drive to establish a Federal Teaching Hospital in Manchok, noting that the collective support of his colleagues had brought the long-awaited project closer to reality for the people of Southern Kaduna and Nigerians at large.

The proposed teaching hospital is expected to enhance medical training, expand access to healthcare services and improve the availability of specialised medical care in the region.