By; KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna
The House of Representatives Committee on Health has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to significantly increase funding for the health sector in the 2025 budget to enhance the standards of federal health centres across the country, aiming to meet global best practices.
Rt Hon Amos Gwamna Magaji, Chairman of the Committee, made the recommendation during a briefing with journalists following an oversight visit to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
The visit was part of the House’s mandate to inspect teaching hospitals and federal medical centres nationwide, ensuring these institutions maintain high standards.
Accompanied by UITH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Abdullahi Dasliva Yusuf, and other management members, the committee inspected various facilities including the oxygen plant, drug abuse unit, and ongoing construction projects within the hospital.
Despite commending the management and staff for their efforts amidst funding challenges, the committee highlighted several inadequacies.
Magaji emphasized the need for a budget where at least 60% is allocated to the development of infrastructure and replacement of key equipment.
He noted the discrepancy between personnel costs, which exceed $14 billion, and the less than $1 billion allocated for infrastructure and equipment.
Professor Yusuf assured the committee of their commitment to following the recommendations, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to power and diesel costs.
The committee pledged to address these issues and advocate for increased federal support to benefit Nigerians.
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