By Awhawha Awhawha
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (SB. 197), which seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Oleh, Delta State.
The passage of the bill, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas representing Delta South Senatorial District, marks a major legislative milestone for the oil-rich region, particularly the Isoko nation.
The bill was initially presented on November 7, 2023, and passed its second reading on October 22, 2024. Following its third reading today, the Senate approved the legislation, paving the way for the creation of the first federally funded medical centre in the district.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo described the passage of the bill as a “major turnaround” for a region that has long grappled with inadequate access to quality healthcare.
“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.”
The new facility is expected not only to bolster the region’s healthcare infrastructure but also to stimulate economic development.
According to the Senator, the centre will generate direct and indirect jobs, attract healthcare professionals, promote research and training, and improve overall public health outcomes.
He expressed gratitude to the Senate leadership, including Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, for their support in advancing the bill.
“This is a critical step toward equity in federal healthcare infrastructure,” he added. “It reflects our collective will to bring meaningful development to Delta South and ensure our people’s needs are addressed at the national level.”
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.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to the President for assent.