By Augustine Martha, Kaduna
Senate advances bill to establish teaching hospital for kachia varsity
The Senate has advanced a bill seeking the establishment of a Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, after it scaled through second reading on the floor of the chamber.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, seeks to amend the University Teaching Hospitals Act to accommodate the proposed Federal University of Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital, Kachia.
Presenting the lead debate on the bill in Abuja, Senator Katung said the move was timely, considering the urgent need for a specialised medical facility to support the academic and healthcare objectives of the newly established university.
He explained that the teaching hospital, when established, would serve as a centre for the training of medical doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, while also providing employment opportunities for residents of surrounding communities.
The lawmaker stressed that the Kaduna South Senatorial District had been in dire need of such an institution and urged his colleagues to support the bill to ensure its speedy consideration and passage.
In his ruling, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, described the bill as straightforward, noting that the importance of establishing the facility in the area was evident.
Barau commended Senator Katung for his commitment to the development of his constituency, recalling his previous legislative efforts that contributed to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
The Deputy Senate President thereafter subjected the bill to a vote, and it was approved by the Senate for further legislative consideration.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has continued to champion bills and motions aimed at driving socio-economic development in Kaduna South and Kaduna State.
Among his recent legislative interventions was a motion seeking the revival of Nigeria’s textile industry, particularly the restoration of the once vibrant textile sector in Kaduna State.
