Reps roll out plans to curb rising cases of mental health

By Christiana Ekpa

Representatives reiterated its resolve towards effective oversight of the newly established orthopaedic and neuropsychiatric hospitals across the country to address the challenge of rising cases of mental health in the country and other health-related challenges.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Hon. Alex Egbona, gave the assurance in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the Standing Committee.
According to him, the Committee on Specialty Health was established pursuant to Sections 62, 88, and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Standing Orders of the House of Representatives to ensure effective oversight of the health sector of the economy.
He explained that the “mandate of the Committee covers all Specialist Hospitals, Orthopaedic Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Eye Hospitals, Blood Transfusion Services, Ear Care Centres, Obstetrics Fistula Centres, Schools of Dental Technology and Oral Health Programmes in Nigeria, Schools of Occupational Therapy, Colleges of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Schools of Medical Laboratory Technology, and annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to be jointly overseen with related Health Committees of the House.
In the bid to effectively discharge its statutory function, he tasked all members to “show commitment and dedication in carrying out our duties.
“As you may be aware, new orthopaedic and neuropsychiatric hospitals were recently established in parts of the country that require legislative and legal frameworks. The challenge of raising cases of mental health in the country and other health-related challenges under the jurisdiction of the Committee requires proper oversight and legislative intervention.
“By the powers vested in me as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare, I therefore formally inaugurate the Committee for maximum legislative performance and effective oversight.”
Hon. Egbona also disclosed that the joint Senate and House Committee scrutinised the 2024 budget and transmitted the report to the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, for further legislative action.