Senate Passes Bill to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Adikpo
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo, Benue State, in a move aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in the region.
The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, was unanimously approved by the lawmakers during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The proposed Federal Medical Centre is expected to provide specialized medical services to the people of Benue State and its environs, thereby reducing the burden on existing healthcare facilities in the state.
The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo is a significant development for the people of Benue State, who have long been in need of quality healthcare services. The centre will provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and diagnostic services, among others.
Senator Suswam Gabriel, who sponsored the bill, expressed his delight at the passage of the bill, saying it would bring relief to the people of Benue State.
“The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo will go a long way in addressing the healthcare needs of our people.
“It will provide access to quality healthcare services, reduce medical tourism, and create jobs for our youths,” he said.
The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Benue State. The centre will create jobs for medical professionals, nurses, and other healthcare workers, as well as stimulate economic activity in the surrounding communities.
According to Senator Gabriel, the centre will also attract medical tourists from neighboring states, thereby generating revenue for the state government. “The Federal Medical Centre will be a hub for medical tourism in the region, and this will have a positive impact on our economy,” he said.
The bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence, after which it will be sent to the President for assent.
Once the bill is signed into law, the Federal Government will commence the process of establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo.
The Benue State Government has welcomed the development, saying it will complement its efforts to improve healthcare services in the state.
“We are delighted by the passage of the bill, and we look forward to working with the Federal Government to establish the Federal Medical Centre,” said a statement by the state government.
Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have hailed the passage of the bill, saying it will improve access to quality healthcare services in Benue State.
“The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo is a welcome development, and we commend the Senate for passing the bill,” said Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu, a former Minister of Health. “It will go a long way in addressing the healthcare needs of the people of Benue State.”
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also welcomed the development, saying it will provide opportunities for medical professionals to practice in a state-of-the-art facility. “We commend the Senate for passing the bill, and we look forward to working with the Federal Government to establish the Federal Medical Centre,” said a statement by the NMA.
