The Federal Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, embarked on an official working inspection of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, where he commended the management for its remarkable infrastructural and clinical advancements.
Dr. Salako, who was received by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Asaba, Dr. Victor A. Osiatuma, toured various medical facilities within the institution, expressing his admiration for the progress recorded despite prevailing challenges.
During his visit, the minister identified the issue of limited space as a major impediment to the hospital’s expansion and capacity to integrate new medical innovations. He noted that portions of the land originally allocated to the facility had been encroached upon, restricting the institution’s ability to develop further.
Following the inspection, Dr. Salako paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, at his palace, where he sought royal intervention in resolving the land encroachment issue. Addressing the monarch, he emphasized that reclaiming the encroached land would provide the necessary room for FMC Asaba to enhance its services and accommodate future growth.
The minister also informed HRM Azinge that his visit to Asaba was in line with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s initiative to distribute 10,000 midwife kits, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare.
Read also: Ibas swears in new SSG, tasks him to unleash his wealth of experience
In response, the Asagba of Asaba acknowledged the concern raised by the minister, admitting that the encroachment issue was unexpected given the initial size of the hospital’s land allocation. He assured Dr. Salako that the matter would be looked into, emphasizing that the community would not allow one of the few federal institutions in Asaba to be stifled due to land constraints.
HRM Azinge also suggested the possibility of establishing an extension or annex for the hospital should expansion at its current location prove unfeasible. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring FMC Asaba receives the necessary support to thrive, noting that during his recent visit to the presidency, he had advocated for increased federal presence in Asaba.
Commending the minister for his dedication, the Asagba urged him to continue prioritizing healthcare reforms with determination, stressing that there was much work to be done in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
“There is much work to be done, but I am confident that under your watch, we can achieve so much,” the monarch stated.
The minister, in turn, congratulated the Asagba on his ascension to the throne, offering prayers for a long and prosperous reign.
The visit underscores the federal government’s ongoing efforts to support healthcare institutions across the country while addressing challenges hindering their growth.
