The Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish an Orthopaedic Hospital in Dekina, Kogi East Senatorial District — a legislative milestone spearheaded by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who represents the district.
While presenting the general principles of the bill, Senator Isah explained that the proposed hospital would enhance access to orthopaedic healthcare services and provide facilities for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and related medical care.
He noted that the hospital would operate under the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board to ensure the delivery of specialized orthopaedic and trauma services.
Seeking his colleagues’ support for swift legislative consideration, Senator Isah emphasized the bill’s importance to the people of Kogi East and neighboring areas, recalling that it was first introduced in the Senate on February 13, 2025.
“Kogi East Senatorial District, where the hospital is proposed, consists of nine local government areas — Ankpa, Basa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Olamaboro, and Omala — with a population of over two million people,” he stated.
He explained that the predominantly agrarian nature of the region exposes residents to frequent orthopaedic risks due to farming, palm fruit harvesting, and forestry activities.
Citing research published in the Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma (2024), Senator Isah disclosed that between 2019 and 2024, more than 10,000 farmers in Kogi State suffered farm-related injuries, with 98 percent treated by traditional bone setters.
He further noted that rising cases of road accidents and gunshot injuries have worsened the demand for orthopaedic care, yet the absence of a specialized hospital forces many victims to rely on untrained traditional healers.
“The lack of an orthopaedic hospital in Kogi East has increased dependence on traditional bone setters, resulting in higher mortality and disability rates,” he lamented. “These practitioners often lack knowledge of anatomy and medical techniques, leading to complications such as gangrene, chronic infections, deformities, and even death.”
Senator Anthony Okorie Ani, representing Ebonyi South, commended Senator Isah’s foresight, describing the bill as timely and essential. He noted that the nearest orthopaedic hospital is in Enugu, emphasizing the urgent need for one in Kogi East.
He urged his colleagues to support the bill to ensure its passage into law.
In his remark, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised Senator Isah for consistently sponsoring bills that promote the welfare of his constituents.
The bill was subsequently passed by voice vote and referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Healthcare for further legislative action, with a report expected in four weeks.
