REPS CALLS FOR A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN FCT HEALTH SECTOR.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to the alarming strain on the healthcare system. 

The House also urged the government to release emergency funds for hospital upgrades, recruitment of medical personnel, and acquisition of critical medical equipment.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary on Wednesday in Abuja by a lawmaker from Delta State, Nnamdi Ezechi, who expressed concern over the critical shortage of bed spaces and medical personnel in FCT hospitals, which has resulted in preventable loss of lives. 

The House also called for a strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure in the FCT, as well as a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals.

Additionally, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health, with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deploy surveillance teams and medical resources to Badagry, Lagos State, to curtail a suspected cholera outbreak that has claimed lives. 

The House also mandated committees to visit Badagry and assess the situation, reporting back within three weeks.