Push For Biomedical Engineers Council Gains Momentum As ABETAN, CBET Back Nnamchi’s Bill

The campaign to establish a regulatory body for biomedical engineers and scientists in Nigeria has received a major boost with the Association of Biomedical Engineers and Technologists of Nigeria, ABETAN, and the College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, CBET, throwing their weight behind a Bill seeking to create the council.

The two bodies, led by Engr. Kenneth Nduma-Uda, Chairman of Council, CBET, gave the commendation during a solidarity visit to the sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi, at his office in the National Assembly Complex Abuja.

The move to establish a Biomedical Engineers and Scientists Registration Council has been a long-standing demand of practitioners who argue that regulation is necessary to standardize training, curb quackery, and strengthen Nigeria’s health technology sector.

The Bill, titled “An Act to Establish the Biomedical Engineers and Scientists Registration Council of Nigeria”, seeks to provide for the regulation, registration and licensure of biomedical engineers and scientists in the country. 

It is one of over 67 Bills sponsored by Prof. Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Nduma-Uda, accompanied by Council members Engrs. Rebecca Yilmazach and Aliyu Rayyan, said the visit was to congratulate the lawmaker and express solidarity with the pursuit for professional recognition.

According to them, the proposed council will be critical to sanitizing the profession.

“When eventually passed, the Bill will improve the practice of biomedical engineering, eliminate quackery, ensure patient safety, and effectively support quality healthcare delivery in the country,” the Council members stated.

Nduma-Uda further urged that the Bill clearly define the scope of practice of biomedical engineers and scientists and distinguish it from other allied health professions to avoid jurisdictional conflicts.

Responding, Prof. Nnamchi thanked the delegation for their support and pledged to ensure the Bill is concluded before the end of the current 10th Assembly. 

He disclosed that the Bill has already passed second reading in the House and is awaiting a public hearing.