The House of Representatives committee on specialty healthcare has underscored the need for effective functioning of Nigeria’s healthcare institutions to promote a  healthy nation.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Alex Egbona, made the call during a meeting with stakeholders on the 2026 budget defence in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Egbona, who said that the specialty healthcare institutions occupy a critical position in Nigeria’s healthcare system, called for improved service delivery for optimal outcome.

“They provide specialised and referral services, manage complex medical conditions, and serve some of the most vulnerable segments of our population.

“Without their effective functioning, the healthcare system cannot deliver optimal outcomes,” he said.

He noted that many of these specialised hospitals and institutions continue to operate under severe funding constraints. 

According to him, annual budgetary provisions are often low and, in many cases, inadequate to address infrastructure deficits, manpower needs, equipment gaps, and expanding service demands.

Mr Egbona decried power funding, adding that such  reality has directly affected service delivery and patient outcomes.

He explained that the purpose of the budget defence is for institutions to defend their 2026 budget proposals; the implementation of the 2025 Appropriations Act, as well as highlighting achievements, challenges, and gaps. 

The chairman assured of the committee’s commitment to specialised healthcare institutions to receive fair, realistic, and adequate budgetary allocations.

Mr Egbona pledged to continue engagement with relevant authorities and the committee, on appropriations to advocate for improved funding, guided by transparency, accountability, and national health priorities.

He urged all institutions to make concise, factual, and evidence-based presentations to enable the committee carry out its responsibilities effectively.

Also speaking, managing director of National Eye care, Kaduna, Amina Hassan, appealed for rehabilitation of infrastructure.

Ms Hassan lauded consultants in her institution, adding that although they are specialised in eye care, they however, require more training and motivation.

(NAN)