REPS: BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH FMC KWALE PASSES SECOND READING

The House of Representatives has taken the second reading of a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act 2023 as amended.

The Bill, sponsored by the member representing the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, seeks to provide the legal framework for the establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area of Delta state.

Leading the debate on the Bill at today’s plenary, Hon Ezechi underscored the need to establish the healthcare facility, not only for the well-being of his constituents but for the greater good of the country.

The House of Reps member recounted the hardships faced by residents of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and neighboring communities who must embark on long and arduous journeys to be able to access specialized medical services.

He emphasized the dire need for improved healthcare access in the Federal Constituency, stressing that the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Kwale would guarantee quicker access to care for the residents and alleviate their current travel burdens.

Hon Ezechi highlighted the strategic significance of Kwale’s central location in Delta state, which positioned it as a key gateway, simplifying access to specialized healthcare services for people from various parts of the state, adding that the proposed FMC Kwale would reduce the burden on the existing Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, currently shouldering the healthcare needs of a much broader region.

The Federal Legislator pointed out that Ndokwa/Ukwuani axis of Delta state lacked any substantial federal government presence, except for the Nigerian Correctional Facility, and articulated the deep sense of belonging and inclusion that the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Kwale would bring to the people in his Constituency.

While noting that the proposed FMC Kwale represented a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and better public health outcomes for all, Hon Ezechi urged his colleagues to endorse the establishment of the facility, not just as a local concern but as a matter of national importance. 

At the end of the debate, Hon Ezechi moved for the second reading of the Bill, which was seconded by Hon Abubakar Yelma from Jigawa state and passed when the Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas put it to vote, following which it proceeded to the Committee stage.