Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital Bill 2025 Passes Second Reading * Speaker dissolves all standing house committees, political appointees to speaker's office

By Inegbagha Majesty 

The Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital Bill 2025 on Thursday plenary of the State House of Assembly has passed through second reading.

Rt. Hon (High Chief) Abraham Ingobere, Speaker BYSHA

 Lawmakers, including Hon. Werinipre Pamoh, who debated in favor of the bill, highlighted its importance for the accreditation of the Bayelsa Medical University.

Leading the debate, Hon.Dr. Daniel Charles, recalled that the 500-bed hospital was initiated by the late Governor D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, emphasizing that a functional teaching hospital is a prerequisite for the university's full accreditation and therefore stressed the need for the legislative approval.

On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Michael Ogbere, noted that the bill has multiple benefits, including revenue generation and employment creation, particularly in the health sector.  

Lending their voices, Hon.Dr. Godbless Nanatumieyeseigha Oyinke, Hon (Barr) Tare Porri, and Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo, also supported the bill, citing the need for a teaching hospital to facilitate medical research, reduce brain drain, and improve healthcare access for the people, pointing out that accreditation is a must for the school to progress.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Health and Education, which is expected to report back within three weeks.

In another development, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the House and all political appointees to the office of the Speaker.