Bill Seeking To Rename National Hospital Passes Second Reading In House Of Reps

national-hospital-abujaA Bill seeking to change the name of the National Hospital for Women and Children, Abuja, to “the National Hospital, Abuja”, passed through its second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday.

Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Ali Ahmad (APC, Kwara), said it was meant to reflect change in the hospital’s name to the National Hospital; which it has been so-called since May, 2010.

According to him, the National Hospital for Women and Children was originally established to cater for only women and children.

The lawmaker noted that the change of name was necessary because the hospital’s services had extended to all Nigerians irrespective of gender.

“This amendment is imperative to reflect the realities on ground. The hospital is no longer for women and children alone; it is now for all Nigerians”, he said.

Recall that the hospital was formally established under Decree 36 of 1999 (Act 36 of 1999) and was commissioned by then Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on 22 May, 1999.

The bill to change the name was supported by lawmakers across party divides including Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo). The lawmaker said it was the right step in the right direction.

He said: “This change of name is right. It is the parliament that has the responsibility to effect the change. It is only proper that we reflect what is happening by changing the name to National Hospital, Abuja”.

The House also passed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2014 bills through second reading yesterday.

The FCTA bill has N271.13 billion estimate, while the NDDC’s has an expenditure estimates of N322.6 billion.

Both bills were referred to the Committee on the FCT and the NDDC for further legislative input.