The National Dermatology (Specialist) Hospital Bill, seeking for the establishment of hospital to treat leprosy, skin cancer and other skin diseases on Wednesday scaled second reading at the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Aishatu Dahiru (APC-Adamawa), who sponsored the bill, leading the debate on the bill, recalled that as far back as 1929, an international hospital was set up for Garkida Agricultural Leper Colony by the Church of the Brethren Mission, USA.
He said, “It was an ambitious effort located on 2,500 acres of land designed for the treatment of leprosy and other illnesses. It was also an isolation centre and for the training of lepers in craft and improved agricultural methods.
“It was a reputable hospital with 12,507 leprosy patients admitted between 1929 and 2002 with a reasonable number of patients coming from neighbouring countries.
“With the advent of antibiotics in the 1940s and the use of dapsone to treat leprosy, the role of the hospital changed.
“Dr Roy Pfaltzgraff, who was the Medical Superintendent between 1954 and 1982, transformed the hospital into an international centre for developmental work in surgical rehabilitation, physiotherapy, protective footwear, prostheses and training.”
The senator went further to say that the hospital would allow speciality care providers to focus on particular areas of care in which they have extensive training and education.
He added, “The tears and frustration expressed by patients with pigmentary disorders and the psychological impact of these disorders will be effectively handled by the hospital.”
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan
The bill was referred by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan to the bill to the Committee on Health for further legislative action. The committee is expected to report back in four weeks.