The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare sector of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to an alarming strain on medical facilities and personnel.

The resolution was adopted following a motion moved by Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi (PDP-Delta) during Wednesday's plenary session in Abuja. The lawmakers specifically requested the release of emergency funds to upgrade hospitals, recruit additional medical staff, and acquire critical medical equipment.

In his presentation, Ezechi highlighted the severe overcrowding in government hospitals across the FCT, resulting in critical shortages of bed spaces and medical personnel. He noted that while the FCT's population has grown significantly over the past two decades, many existing healthcare facilities have seen little to no expansion to meet the increasing demand.

"Patients in need of critical medical attention are often left unattended or subjected to long waiting hours due to the unavailability of hospital beds and the limited capacity of existing facilities, leading to preventable loss of lives daily," Ezechi stated.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers has further worsened the crisis, reducing the quality of care and increasing the burden on the few available staff. He warned that without immediate interventions, the healthcare crisis could escalate to unmanageable levels, undermining residents' right to health in the nation's capital.

"A strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure in the FCT, along with a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals, will address the urgent needs and ensure better health outcomes," he added.

The House unanimously supported the motion, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of healthcare services in the FCT. The resolution adds to growing concerns about Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure, particularly in densely populated urban centers like Abuja.

Health experts have previously warned that Nigeria's doctor-to-patient ratio falls far below the World Health Organization's recommended standards, a situation made worse by the continuous emigration of medical professionals seeking better working conditions abroad.