•House of Representatives
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has informed certain bills are underway to help address the challenges in accessing eye care services and improve the health system in the country.
Kalu disclosed this as part of activities marking the 2024 World Sight Day, reports The Nation.
The global event, is observed annually on the second Thursday of October to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker said this year’s theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes”, resonates with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas PhD, tagged “Healthcare for All” to address the multifaceted issues plaguing our healthcare system.
Kalu expressed worry over reports that about 24 million people are living with vision loss and 1.3 million blind.
He said that apart from the initiatives of the federal government, the parliament is committed to using legislative instruments to support the provision of lasting solution to the challenges, hence his sponsorship of the amendment bill of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Council Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill alongside other lawmakers.
The Deputy Speaker explained the two bills which have passed first reading will allow more efficiency and expand access to eyecare delivery in Nigeria.
He however said that legislative efforts alone cannot solve this crisis, calling for collaborative effort and commitment by various stakeholders.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I am an advocate of eye health. For years i have been championing eye wellness for all through my outreach programmes and as well using legislative instruments.
“This year’s ‘World Sight Day’ theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes”, resonates with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas PhD, tagged “Healthcare for All” to address the multifaceted issues plaguing our healthcare system.
“Aside the laudable initiatives of the Federal government, the parliament on its part is committed to using legislative instruments to support in providing lasting solution to the challenges, hence why I, alongside other lawmakers sponsored the amendment bill of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Council Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill.
“The Bills when passed into law will allow more efficiency and expand access to eyecare in Nigeria.
“I call on stakeholders as well to pool resources together in order to win the war against rising challenges of global blindness. Through the Benjamin Kalu Foundation I kicked off the End Blindness Project, an outreach targeting thousands of Bende indigenes for eye examinations, treatment, surgery and glasses prescription.
“The project is not just for Bende Federal Constituency but for the entire nation as well, the outreach will be extended to other parts of the country.”
