A Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres across the country has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The Bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and five other lawmakers seeks to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population.
The Bill, if passed, also seeks to expand the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the Bill, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to provide a framework that would enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
Kalu stated: “As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens.
“The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.
“Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation.”
Kalu argued that this inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
He added: “The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
“We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.”
The deputy Speaker was of the opinion that the creation of five additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining five geopolitical zones would help decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens.
He said the Bill seeks to establish separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs.
These bodies, Kalu noted, would not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but would also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care.
The bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abass and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.