HON. EZECHI'S RAISES ALARM OVER IMPENDING HEALTH CRISIS IN FCT, CALLS FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

Abuja, FCT – Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, today moved a critical motion in the House of Representatives, highlighting an "impending health crisis" in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The motion underscored the severe strain on the FCT's healthcare system, characterized by overstretched government hospitals, critical shortages of bed spaces, and a dire lack of medical personnel.

Hon. Ezechi noted that the FCT's population has surged dramatically over the past two decades, while existing health facilities have seen little to no expansion, leading to patients often being left unattended or enduring long waiting hours. This, he emphasized, has resulted in preventable loss of lives daily. The lawmaker expressed grave concern that the scarcity of medical professionals further exacerbates the crisis, diminishing the quality of care and overburdening the few available staff.

He warned that without immediate interventions, the healthcare crisis could escalate to unmanageable levels, undermining the fundamental right to health and threatening the well-being of the nation's capital residents. Hon. Ezechi conveyed his conviction that a strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure, coupled with a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals, are essential to address these urgent needs and ensure better health outcomes.

In response to these pressing concerns, the House resolved to:

1. Urge the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the FCT Administration, to immediately assess the state of health facilities in the FCT to identify critical areas for expansion, upgrade, and resource allocation.

2. Constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the current state of healthcare facilities in the FCT and submit a report within four weeks with recommendations for improvement.

3. Call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the FCT's healthcare system, ensuring the immediate release of emergency funds for hospital upgrades, recruitment of medical personnel, and acquisition of critical medical equipment.

4. Encourage the FCT Administration to partner with private sector stakeholders and international health agencies to boost healthcare capacity in the short term, while long-term solutions are being implemented.

5. Urge the Federal Government to design a long-term healthcare infrastructure development plan that aligns with the growing population of the FCT, ensuring sustainable and quality healthcare delivery.

The motion, moved on May 21, 2025, highlights the urgent need for decisive action to avert a full-blown health catastrophe in the FCT.