An advocacy group for the support and promotion of the interests, welfare and policy participation of women in Nigeria, the Women Development Alliance (WDA) has given a glowing commendation to Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North-Ideato South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives following the two bills he sponsored which border on the healthcare of women and children.
A statement signed by the National President of the group, Mrs. Judith Badmus, read in part: “We wish to commend the Honourable, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere for the two bills that target to uplift and cater for the health and well-being of rural women and children.
“We are particularly enthused by the fact that it is not just one bill, but two bills which shows that there is a deliberate intention to address the health needs of these very vulnerable parts of society.
“This, apparently, is born out of a strong conviction that maternal and child health should be fundamental and of utmost priority in the healthcare blueprint of any country.”
Badmus added: “We have been making appeals in this direction for many years now, which had gone unheeded, so it came as a refreshing and pleasant surprise that the current set of parliamentarians saw fit to address this critical aspect of the health of our nation. And for this we are grateful.
“Indeed, we appreciate the efforts invested in the crafting and elaborate structuring of the bill by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and wish to assure that we will continue to engage and make ourselves available for any advisory interaction that will further enrich the bill and ensure speedy passage.”
It will be recalled that the House of Representatives took a step forward towards improving healthcare access for women and children in the Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state by passing two bills for first reading on Thursday.
The two bills were sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North- Ideato South Federal Constituency.
They bills are:
*National Hospital for Women, Ideato, Imo State, Establishment Bill, 2024 (HB.1426)
*National Children’s Hospital, Ideato, Imo State, Establishment Bill, 2024 (HB.1427)
Ikenga Ugochinyere, who has been an advocate for maternal and child health, noted that the proposed National Hospital for Women would specialize in reproductive and maternal health, research into obstetric fistula, and related areas.
The legislation outlines the establishment of a Board of Management with representatives from various relevant bodies, including the Ministries of Health and Women’s Affairs, as well as medical professional associations and the host community.
The National Children’s Hospital bill proposes upgrading an existing Primary Health Center in Ideato to a National Children’s Hospital. It establishes a similar Board of Management structure, with representatives from the Ministries of Health, Works and Housing, and Planning Commission joining the healthcare and community stakeholders.
Both bills require the President to appoint a chairperson and board members with proven integrity and ability.
While passage of the first reading signifies the House’s initial approval, Ikenga Ugochinyere urged his colleagues to join him in prioritizing the healthcare of women and children in his rural community of Ideato.
