By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye Centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Babajimi Benson and five others.
In his leading debate on its general principles, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones.
According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.
Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are leading causes of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially rural areas where access to specialised care is limited.
He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of national eye centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones.
He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
Kalu said, “The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country. The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20th December, 2023.”
Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abass who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality healthcare.
