Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved moves to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria and approved major healthcare projects, including a N302.3 billion National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) centre.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this yesterday while briefing State House correspondents on decisions taken at the FEC meeting.
Pate said the council approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021 to remove attempted suicide from the criminal law, allowing survivors to receive medical and psychological care rather than face prosecution.
He said the proposed amendment would be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
According to him, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence under provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code, despite the National Mental Health Act providing for treatment and supportive care for people at risk of self-harm.
“The idea is attempted suicide is not a crime,” Pate said, adding that the proposed reform was aimed at shifting the response from punishment to treatment and support.
He said the government was targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide by 2030.
The council also approved a N302.3 billion contract for the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of a new NICRAT centre.
Other News
Pate said the facility, to be delivered by CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited within 36 months, would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for cancer research, treatment, innovation and professional training.
He said the project was part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to expand specialised healthcare and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.
FEC also approved major infrastructure projects at the National Hospital, Abuja, including a N103 billion high-end wing and a N69 billion Neuroscience Institute.
The construction of modular clinics and a theatre complex was approved at N64.92 billion, while N18.74 million was approved for refitting the hospital’s administrative and management block.
Pate said the Neuroscience Institute would provide specialised facilities for neurosurgery, radiology, interventional procedures and rehabilitation, particularly for conditions such as stroke and brain tumours.
He said the latest investments were aimed at transforming the National Hospital into a quaternary healthcare institution.
Pate said the projects were funded through appropriations to the relevant agencies and had undergone the required procurement processes and approvals.
He said the scale of the investment reflected the Federal Government’s decision to address years of underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
