Bauchi State Assembly vows to end quackery in Private Health Sector
By, Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad
Bauchi State House of Assembly, has pledged to ensure effective regulation, regular monitoring and end quackery in the state’s private health sector.
The Speaker of the House, Dr. Abubakar Y Sulaiman gave the assurance while declaring open a public hearing on a Bill seeking to establish the Bauchi State Private Health Institutions Regulatory Agency, BAPHIRA.
The Speaker said building a dependable healthcare system requires collective efforts from government, professional bodies and communities, stressing that the Bill directly affects every household in the state.
Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman explained that parents entrust their lives and those of their children to health facilities based on the expectation that such facilities have qualified personnel, adequate equipment and safe treatment.
The Speaker commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his investments in primary healthcare revitalisation, infrastructure and healthcare financing, saying the proposed agency would complement the administration’s efforts.
He acknowledged the contributions of private healthcare providers in expanding access to medical services, creating employment opportunities and supporting public health institutions.
The Speaker stressed the need for clarity and fairness in the implementation of the law, calling for a clear definition of the agency’s mandate and effective collaboration with existing health authorities and professional bodies to avoid duplication of responsibilities.
He also advocated a balance between firm enforcement and fair treatment, with transparent criteria, documented decisions, proportionate sanctions and avenues for appeal.
Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman urged stakeholders to make practical recommendations on infection prevention, medical waste disposal, emergency preparedness, referral systems and protection of patients’ data.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Lawal Dauda, said all memoranda, criticisms and recommendations received from stakeholders would be carefully considered and used judiciously.
In her remarks, the Clerk of the House, Hajiya Hauwa Ahmed Abubakar, called on stakeholders to speak freely and offer constructive criticism, assuring that their contributions would be considered in improving the Bill for the benefit of the people of Bauchi State.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Babayo Muhammad Akuyam, assured participants that their contributions would be reflected in the legislative process.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, and the State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, among others.
