The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to establish a National Children’s Hospital in Ideato, Imo State, to improve specialised healthcare for children.
According to The Guardian, the bill sponsored by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, passed second reading during plenary.
Ugochinyere explained that the proposed hospital would provide specialised medical services, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve treatment for childhood illnesses.
He said the facility would also support medical research, professional training and early intervention for children requiring advanced healthcare.
Reps seek improved children’s healthcare
The lawmaker expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistent child mortality challenges, particularly deaths linked to preventable diseases.
He identified malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoeal diseases and neonatal complications among the conditions threatening children’s survival.
Ugochinyere argued that establishing a specialised hospital would improve access to advanced diagnosis and treatment.
He also referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places responsibility for citizens’ welfare on the government.
According to him, children remain among the most vulnerable members of society and require greater healthcare protection.
The legislator further cited the Child Rights Act, which recognises children’s rights to quality physical and mental healthcare.
He explained that the proposed hospital would provide an institutional framework for delivering specialised paediatric services.
Ugochinyere also highlighted established children’s hospitals in the United States and South Africa as examples of dedicated healthcare facilities.
He maintained that Nigeria needed stronger investment in child-focused medical services to reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes.
The bill will proceed through additional legislative stages before it can become law.
