The House of Representatives on Thursday, called for an improved funding for medical research institutions to enable them achieve their mandates.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Wale Hammed (APC-Lagos state) at plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Hammed said that due to the global increase in viral outbreaks like Lassa fever, Ebola and Coronavirus, it was crucial to increase financial support for medical research to combat health challenges.
He said that the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) usually conduct research on public health diseases, develop structures, and collaborate with national and international institutions.
He said that there were other research institutes in the country with similar objectives of collecting, analysing and providing scientific data and information for the development of scientific products for sustainable development and benefit for the country.
“Concerned that these institutions are not operating optimally, as they are currently underfunded, inadequately equipped with modern technology and lack requisite library resources to effectively perform their duties,”he said.
The house resolved to conduct an investigation into the state of medical research institutes in the country.
In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu mandated the House Committees on Healthcare Services and Health Institutions to conduct the investigation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
