By Precious Mark
The Federal Government and the Imo State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment and immediate take-off of a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Okigwe, aimed at expanding access to tertiary healthcare services in the state.
The MoU was signed in Owerri by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, on behalf of the Federal Government, and Governor Hope Uzodimma, on behalf of the Imo State Government.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed this in a detailed statement issued on Thursday, explaining that the agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system.
The agreement follows the recent conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri into a Federal Teaching Hospital to support medical education and clinical training for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
To sustain access to tertiary healthcare services, the Imo State Government has ceded the State General Hospital, Okigwe, for conversion into the new Federal Medical Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister described the development as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.
“The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare access and bringing quality tertiary health services closer to Nigerians. This partnership with the Imo State Government will not only strengthen healthcare delivery in the South-East but also support training, research, job creation and improved health outcomes for the people,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma commended the Federal Government for its continued support to Imo State and described the establishment of FMC Okigwe as another significant milestone in the state’s healthcare development journey.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of healthcare infrastructure in Imo State through the approval of several interventions and projects. Following the conversion of the existing FMC into a Federal Teaching Hospital, the establishment of FMC Okigwe ensures expanded access to tertiary healthcare services for our people. We are particularly grateful for the approval of the takeover of the hospital’s assets, liabilities and workforce to facilitate the seamless take-off of the new institution,” he stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the new FMC would strengthen referral services and improve access to specialised care within Imo State and neighbouring states.