By David Odama (In Lafia, Nasarawa State)
Senator representing Nasarawa South in the National Assembly, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, said signing into law, a bill sponsored by him for the establishment of the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital has made him stand tall amongst his equals.
The former Governor stated this on Sunday while fielding questions from journalists in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital. He said the teaching hospital when fully operational, would provide facilities for the training of medical and other students as well as serve as referral centre for other hospitals in the catchment areas.
The hospital, according to Senator Al-Makura, would also erect, equip, maintain and operate and provide facilities for diagnosis, curative, promotion and rehabilitative services in medical treatment.
The Senator while noting that the establishment of the Federal University Lafia Teaching Hospital was conceived by the need to bridge the existing gap between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery in Nasarawa State and Nigeria, however expressed his gratitude to president Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the bill.
"The joy in my heart knows no bounds at the moment hence the president assent to the bill sponsored by me in the Senate for the establishment of the University Teaching Hospital in Lafia. I remain extremely grateful to president Muhammadu Buhari", the lawmaker declared.
"The hospital is not for me, not for my family nor for my constituency, but for the benefit of Nigerians. This, I believe, when fully operational, medical tourism will be reduced, and Nigerians will be happy", Al-Makura stated.
The Senator recalled however that the conception of the project was a miracle, adding that "It all started when the federal government came asking for land for the Federal University in Lafia. I took advantage of the visit, gave them enough land and appealed for the Teaching Hospital which has today been assented to by the president", Al-Makura stated.
"I'm filled with joy because I can stand tall and say that I have achieved a significant landmark in the history of Nasarawa state, as my people and other Nigerians will today benefit from the Teaching Hospital in Lafia", the lawmaker said with elation.
It would be recalled that the University of Lafia was established in 2010 and commenced full academic activities in the Faculty of Medicine, making the establishment of the Teaching Hospital imperative to facilitate commencement of clinical teaching. NNL.
