From David Onuoja, Abuja
The bill to establish the National Eye Centre, Ochadamu, Kogi state has been passed into law by the Senate during this week plenary.
The bill sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho representing Kogi East, is apt as there is need for the Federal Government to take over the assets and the liabilities of Ochadamu Eye Centre.
He said: “Holley Memorial Hospital, Ochadamu, which is a missionary hospital, was founded in 1948 in response to the needs of those suffering from leprosy. Subsequently, eye care became an integral part of the hospital due to the prevalence of eye diseases and related complications in the area.
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“The eye care services introduced at the hospital make it the only eye centre in Kogi East, rendering services to patients within the state and neighboring states.
“However, this hospital is faced with a myriad of challenges, such as a shortage of ward accommodation, insufficient clinical areas, an under-equipped theater, and power challenges.”
According to him, the establishment of the proposed National Eye Centre would provide opportunities for the early detection and treatment of various eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
Senator Isah put the total cost implication at N3.379 billion, covering personnel, overhead, recurrent, and capital costs.
Each senator who spoke on the motion backed the proposal and unanimously agreed on the need for the establishment of the centre, given the long-standing history of the hospital, which was founded by colonial masters before independence.
The bill which was passed into law was the aftermath of a satisfactory report submitted by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Senator Banigo during the plenary urged the red Chamber to consider and approve the report, stating that the eye centre if taken over by the Federal Government would be in the best interest of Nigerians, given its immense benefits to the citizens.
According to him, “the strategic location in Kogi East allows those with eye related issues from the South East, South South and northern zones of the country to access the facility.
After contributions by Senators in favour of the bill, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, sitting as a Chair commended the Committee for a detailed report and timely consideration.
He also lauded Senator Jibrin Isah for sponsoring the bill that has high value for his constituents and by extension Nigerians in general.
“I commend Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho for sponsoring this bill as I look forward to seeing that this bill helps to advance healthcare delivery to the people”, he added.
