New Bills Aim to Establish Medical Centre and Nursing College in Lagos

The House of Representatives has moved forward with two bills that would create a Federal Medical Centre and a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State. These institutions are designed to improve healthcare access and training for healthcare workers in the area.

Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, who sponsored both bills, emphasized the need for the medical centre. He noted that many residents rely on overloaded government hospitals for specialized care, leading to long wait times and limited access to necessary treatments. The new centre would help alleviate these issues by serving as a referral hospital for local health facilities.

Olabinjo explained that the medical centre would enhance emergency services and provide critical medical care closer to home for residents. It is expected to create jobs for healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, which would also help reduce the burden on existing hospitals in Lagos State.

Regarding the proposed nursing college, Olabinjo highlighted the urgent need to train more nurses and midwives in Nigeria. He pointed out that many trained professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, which has created staffing shortages in hospitals. The college would offer various educational programs and qualifications to meet the growing demand for qualified healthcare workers.

The bills, which have passed their second reading, will now be reviewed by House committees before moving to the next stages. If approved, they will provide the legal framework to establish both the medical centre and the nursing college in Ifako-Ijaiye.