By Aaron Ossai
A Bill seeking to establish a National Children’s Hospital in Ideato, Imo State, sponsored by the Member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in the legislative push to improve specialised paediatric healthcare in Nigeria.
Leading debate on the general principles of the Bill, Hon. Ugochinyere explained that the the bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated medical institution for the treatment of children, is aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, reducing child mortality and providing specialised medical services for children across the country.
Speaking in support of the proposed legislation, Hon. Ugochinyere underscored the constitutional responsibility of government to protect the welfare of citizens, particularly children, who remain among the most vulnerable members of society.
He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. He noted that this constitutional principle places a responsibility on government to prioritise accessible, affordable and quality healthcare, especially for children.
According to the lawmaker, the establishment of the National Children’s Hospital in Ideato represents a strategic and compassionate response to the challenges confronting child healthcare in Nigeria.
He maintained that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Health Policy and the 10th House of Representatives Legislative Agenda, particularly in expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing preventable illnesses and deaths.
Ugochinyere further drew attention to Nigeria’s persistent child mortality challenge, stressing the urgent need for greater investment in specialised healthcare infrastructure, medical expertise and early intervention services.
He noted that preventable conditions, including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoeal diseases and neonatal complications, continue to threaten the survival and healthy development of Nigerian children.
According to him, a dedicated national paediatric hospital would strengthen the country’s capacity to diagnose and treat complex childhood illnesses, support medical research and improve health outcomes.
The lawmaker also referenced Section 13 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which recognises every child’s right to the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health.
He argued that the proposed legislation would advance the realisation of this right by providing an institutional framework for specialised child-centred medical care.
He further observed that several countries have invested in specialised paediatric institutions to address the unique healthcare needs of children.
Citing examples such as Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, he stressed the importance of building institutions capable of delivering advanced and comprehensive paediatric services.
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a more deliberate approach to protecting its youngest citizens by investing in healthcare facilities that can provide specialised treatment, support medical training and research, and improve access to life-saving interventions.
The proposed National Children’s Hospital in Ideato is expected to serve as a strategic healthcare institution, with the potential to benefit children from Imo State, the South-East and other parts of Nigeria, subject to the hospital’s eventual capacity and service arrangements.
Hon. Ugochinyere’s sponsorship of the bill underscores his commitment to advancing legislation focused on public welfare, healthcare development and the protection of vulnerable groups.
When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, it was passed and referred to relevant Committee for further legislative action.
