Bomba Dauda
The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, marking another legislative milestone in efforts to strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery in Southern Kaduna.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, was debated on the floor of the Red Chamber on Tuesday before receiving the support of lawmakers.
Leading the debate, Senator Katung said the proposed teaching hospital had become imperative following the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, which requires a teaching hospital to effectively train medical students and other healthcare professionals.
According to him, the hospital will provide clinical training for medical doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, while expanding access to specialist healthcare services for residents of Southern Kaduna and neighbouring communities.
He added that the project would create employment opportunities, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and address the shortage of tertiary medical facilities in the region.
Presiding over the session, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, described the bill as straightforward, noting that the proposed institution would fill a critical gap in healthcare delivery and medical education in Kaduna South.
Senator Barau also commended Senator Katung for his sustained legislative efforts, recalling that he sponsored the bill establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, which is now operational.
Following a voice vote, the Senate passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the relevant Senate Committee on Health Institutions for further legislative action.
The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, was established through an Act of the National Assembly following the acquisition of the former Nok University by the Federal Government. The proposed teaching hospital in Manchok is expected to complement the university’s medical programmes by providing the clinical training and specialist healthcare services required for a full-fledged medical institution.
