22
May
May
SENATE PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE IN OLEH, DELTA STATE
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 week
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The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Oleh, Delta State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas representing Delta South Senatorial District, marks a major legislative milestone for the oil-rich region. The passage of the bill is expected to improve access to quality healthcare in the region, which has long grappled with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Senator Joel-Onowakpo described the passage of the bill as a “major turnaround” for the region, saying it will help reduce the burden of long-distance travel for specialist medical care. ” Oleh, as the senatorial headquarters, is strategically located to serve the surrounding communities. The new FMC will help reduce the burden of long-distance travel for specialist medical care, which often leads to delayed treatments and preventable deaths,” he said. The new facility is expected to stimulate economic development, generate direct and indirect jobs, attract healthcare professionals, promote research and training, and improve overall public health outcomes. Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed gratitude to the Senate leadership for their support in advancing the bill, saying it reflects the collective will to bring meaningful development to Delta South and ensure the people’s needs are addressed at the national level. “This is a critical step toward equity in federal healthcare infrastructure. It reflects our collective will to bring meaningful development to Delta South and ensure our people’s needs are addressed at the national level,” he added. The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to the President for assent. Senator Joel-Onowakpo reaffirmed his commitment to seeing the bill through to implementation, promising continued advocacy to ensure the timely establishment and operation of the medical centre.
