The Nigerian Senate has officially passed the bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Oleh, Delta State. Sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, the bill marks a significant milestone in the senator’s commitment to bridging the healthcare gap and attracting federal presence to the region.
The bill, titled Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (SB. 197), was first introduced on November 7, 2023, and passed its second reading on October 22, 2024. Following its third and final reading, the Senate has now given full approval to the proposal, paving the way for the establishment of the new medical institution.
Senator Thomas, in a statement released after the bill’s passage, described the development as a “major turnaround” for Delta South, which has long suffered from limited access to quality healthcare. Oleh, the senatorial headquarters of Delta South, is strategically located to serve multiple communities, and the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre there is expected to drastically reduce the burden of long-distance travel for medical treatment, improve early diagnosis, and curb avoidable deaths.
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The senator emphasized that the new FMC will not only improve healthcare delivery but also boost the local economy by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. He noted that the centre will serve as a hub for both medical and non-medical professionals, foster training, research, and significantly enhance public health outcomes across the district.
Beyond healthcare, the institution is projected to bring socio-economic transformation, attracting investment and improving the quality of life in Delta South. Senator Thomas praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and other key members of the Senate for their unwavering support in passing the bill.
He further described the bill’s passage as a “necessary step toward equity and inclusion” in the distribution of federal infrastructure and reaffirmed his dedication to pushing the bill through to implementation.
“This is not just a win for Oleh but a bold step forward for the entire Delta South. We are sending a strong message that our people’s health and development matter at the national level,” the senator said.
The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, is now on course to become one of the most impactful federal projects in Delta South in recent years, promising to reshape the healthcare narrative in the region.
