By Smart Emmanuel
The Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Council in Gombe state, Egla Idris, has expressed strong support for the establishment of Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Billiri, the local government headquarters.
The Chairperson who made her position known at the public hearing in Abuja on a Bill calling for the establishment of the hospital, said, the “initiative is not only timely, but essential for addressing the pressing healthcare needs of our community and surrounding regions.”
Represented by the Council Treasurer, Mr. Augustine Kurungu, the Chairperson said, the current healthcare infrastructure in Billiri LGA, as well as southern Gombe state consists mainly of primary health centers and general hospitals lacking in specialized services, including orthopedic care.
Mrs. Idris said, with high cases of accidents and attacks, as well as absence of tertiary hospital in the region, establishing an orthopedic hospital in Billiri would be the best strategic move, as well as investment into well-being of people of the area.
“Patients requiring orthopedic treatment usually travel over 250 kilometres to Jos or Kano to access specialized tertiary orthopedic care,” she said. Adding that “There is a strong and overwhelming community support for the establishment of Federal Orthopedic Hospital…. There is also a strong political support at the grassroot,” she said.
She praised the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, for personally attending the public hearing, signifying a big support for the move. She also expressed appreciation to the Member Representing Balanga/Billiri Constituency in the House of Reps for initiating the Bill.
“We therefore urge members of the House of Representatives to adopt the bill wholeheartedly,” she said.
Also speaking, Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the state government is fully in support of the establishment of the orthopedic hospital in Billiri, stating that the facility will be of great assistance not only to people from Gombe state, but the entire northeast sub region.
In a speech, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said the public hearing was an opportunity for the host community and Local Government to make known their positions on the matter.
He said the National Assembly will play its legislative role, as well as take necessary steps to ensure passage of the Bill, as well as support signing it into law.
The public hearing was in respect to the Bill seeking to Amend the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to Provide for Establishment of Orthopedic Hospital Billiri, Gombe State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board and Affiliated to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and For Related Matters.
