The Federal Government has announced the establishment of Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in Epe, Lagos State and Misau in Bauchi State, each of which will host a school of nursing.
This initiative is deemed crucial for national development and aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality across Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this information in Abuja while presenting appointment letters to the acting medical directors: Dr. Adeleke Kaka of FMC Epe and Dr. Rufa’i Dachi of FMC Misau. The appointments signify a step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as approved by President Bola Tinubu.
In addition to the FMCs in Epe and Misau, a Federal Medical Centre is also being established in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State. These centres aim to offer specialised medical care, attract skilled healthcare professionals and provide a platform for cutting-edge medical research. President Tinubu noted that the benefits of these centers would extend beyond their immediate regions, positively impacting the national healthcare system.
Alausa emphasised that this milestone reflects President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians receive the best healthcare at an affordable cost. He highlighted that these centers are designed to alleviate the strain on existing healthcare facilities by providing tertiary care to over one million residents in these regions, reducing the need for long-distance travel for medical services.
He commended the Lagos State Government for its cooperation in transferring Lagos General Hospital to the federal government, facilitating the establishment of FMC Epe. The Federal Government is committed to providing full support and funding to ensure the rapid development of infrastructure and services at these centers.
Alausa stressed that the establishment of these FMCs represents a significant step towards realizing President Tinubu’s vision of a healthcare system that caters to all Nigerians. The facilities are expected to be fully operational before the end of the year, offering comprehensive care and reducing the necessity for long-distance travel for medical services.
“This is a testament to what President Tinubu has set out to do for us in this country,” the minister stated. He highlighted the president’s reforms across various sectors, including the economy, power, infrastructure, food security, agriculture, security and energy, with a current focus on the health sector.
Addressing the issue of human resources for health, Alausa noted the administration’s efforts to increase the number of enrollees in medical, pharmacy, dentistry, medical science, and nursing schools. The number of nursing students enrolled annually has increased from about 28,000 to over 64,000, with expectations to enroll over 100,000 students by the end of the year. This increase aims to provide more opportunities for young Nigerians to become nurses and lead decent lives.
Regarding the migration of nurses, Alausa acknowledged the challenge but emphasised leveraging Nigeria’s large population. “We can train more, and as people go, others will stay. Even those migrating out maintain cultural ties to the country, sending money back to their families, which is another source of foreign direct investment. As we strengthen our healthcare system and improve security, those who have left will want to return,” he said.
The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to working tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the success of these FMCs. The ministry will provide the necessary support, resources and oversight to make the FMCs a beacon of hope and a model of excellence.
The newly appointed medical directors, Dr. Adeleke Kaka and Dr. Rufa’i Dachi, expressed their gratitude and commitment to improving healthcare services and justifying the confidence reposed in them. They promised to do their best to enhance the healthcare system through the new FMCs.
Director of hospital services at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen stated that the ministry had approached all state governors of the three FMCs to identify suitable sites for these institutions. The proposed locations have been assessed and deemed ideal for the commencement of these institutions. He concluded by presenting the acting medical directors to the minister of state to receive their appointment letters, having reviewed their qualifications and found them suitable for these roles.
