REPRESENTATIVES ARE DEBATING LAWS TO IMPROVE EYE CARE SERVICES.- KALU
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Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has said that several proposals are being worked on to solve access issues to eye care services and improve the country’s health system.
Kalu revealed this as part of the events commemorating the 2024 World Sight Day. The global event is commemorated annually on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker stated that this year’s theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes,” is consistent with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas PhD, titled “Healthcare for All,” which aims to address the complex issues plaguing our healthcare system.
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Kalu voiced concern over projections that over 24 million people have eyesight loss, with 1.3 million blind.
He stated that, in addition to the Federal government’s initiatives, the parliament is committed to using legislative instruments to support the provision of long-term solutions to the challenges, as evidenced by his sponsorship of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Council Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, along with other lawmakers.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the two proposals that have passed first reading will improve efficiency and increase access to eyecare delivery in Nigeria.
He did, however, state that legislative actions alone will not solve the situation, and he emphasised the importance of collaboration and commitment from all parties.
“Anyone who knows me understands that I am an advocate for eye health. For years, I’ve advocated for universal eye health through outreach programs and legislative initiatives.
“This year’s ‘World Sight Day’ theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes,” aligns with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas PhD, titled “Healthcare for All,” which aims to solve the complex difficulties afflicting our healthcare system.
“In addition to the laudable initiatives of the Federal government, the parliament is committed to using legislative instruments to assist in providing long-term solutions to the challenges, which is why I, along with other lawmakers, sponsored the amendment bill of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Council Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment).
“When the bills are signed into law, they would increase efficiency and access to eyecare in Nigeria.
“I also encourage stakeholders to pool their resources in order to win the war against the rising challenges of global blindness.” Through the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, I launched the End Blindness Project, an outreach to thousands of Bende indigenes for eye exams, treatment, surgery, and glasses prescriptions.
“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.”
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