According to him, the existing Public Health Law, enacted in 1957, was formulated in a different era when disease patterns, environmental conditions, population dynamics, and healthcare delivery systems were significantly different from what obtains today.
He noted that the proposed legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for disease prevention, environmental sanitation, food safety, waste management, public hygiene, and effective response to public health emergencies, stressing that recent experiences, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for stronger and more proactive public health laws.
Hon. Onwo commended the participation of stakeholders, including government ministries, departments and agencies, healthcare professionals, environmental health experts, civil society organisations and other interested groups, describing their contributions as critical to producing a robust and people-oriented law.
He explained that the bill would clearly define the roles and responsibilities of relevant institutions responsible for environmental health, disease surveillance, sanitation enforcement and health promotion, thereby improving coordination and efficiency in the sector.
The lawmaker further observed that a modern public health law would not only safeguard the health of residents but also promote economic development by reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, attracting investment and creating healthier communities.
He added that the proposed law would strengthen the legal framework for enforcing sanitation standards, combating environmental pollution, ensuring food hygiene and addressing emerging public health threats associated with rapid urbanisation and climate change.
Hon. Onwo emphasised that the public hearing demonstrated the constitutional responsibility of the Delta State House of Assembly to review obsolete laws and enact legislation that reflects present-day realities and the aspirations of the people.
He assured stakeholders that all memoranda and recommendations presented during the hearing would receive careful consideration before the bill is passed, expressing confidence that the eventual law would provide Delta State with a modern and effective public health framework capable of protecting the health and well-being of residents for generations to come.
