The Senate has initiated a nationwide examination of medical facilities and emergency response arrangements at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps following the death of corps member Etimbuk Daniel in Enugu State.
According to Channels Television, the decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, which called for an assessment of healthcare delivery in orientation camps across the country. The Senate also directed its relevant committees to work with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death have raised concerns among lawmakers after reports alleged that he suffered complications from a headache and did not receive timely and adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.
As part of the probe, Senate committees overseeing health, youth development, police affairs, human rights, judicial matters and public petitions will examine the incident alongside broader concerns about medical preparedness at NYSC facilities nationwide.
During deliberations, lawmakers stressed the responsibility of the government to protect corps members who leave their homes to participate in the national service scheme. They also raised concerns about reports of inadequate medical infrastructure, shortages of qualified emergency personnel and weaknesses in procedures for referring patients to better-equipped hospitals.
