Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Imo State Government for the establishment and immediate take-off of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Okigwe.
The MoU was signed in Owerri by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, on behalf of the Federal Government, and the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, on behalf of the Imo State Government.
The agreement follows the recent conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a Federal Teaching Hospital to support medical education and clinical training for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). To ensure continued expansion of access to tertiary healthcare services in the state, the Imo State Government ceded the State General Hospital, Okigwe, to the Federal Government for its conversion into a new Federal Medical Centre.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Salako described the development as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.
“The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare access and bringing quality tertiary health services closer to Nigerians. This partnership with the Imo State Government will not only strengthen healthcare delivery in the South-East but also support training, research, job creation and improved health outcomes for the people,” the Minister stated.
Governor Hope Uzodimma commended the Federal Government for its continued support to Imo State and described the establishment of FMC Okigwe as another significant milestone in the state’s healthcare development journey.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of healthcare infrastructure in Imo State through the approval of several interventions and projects. Following the conversion of the existing FMC into a Federal Teaching Hospital, the establishment of FMC Okigwe ensures expanded access to tertiary healthcare services for our people. We are particularly grateful for the approval of the takeover of the hospital’s assets, liabilities and workforce to facilitate the seamless take-off of the new institution,” the Governor said.
Also speaking, the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, noted that the new Federal Medical Centre would strengthen referral services and improve access to specialised care within Imo State and neighbouring states.
“The establishment of FMC Okigwe is a strategic investment in health service delivery. It will enhance access to specialised medical services, strengthen emergency and referral care, support health workforce development and contribute to the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the successful operationalisation of the facility for the benefit of the people,” she stated.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments and other stakeholders to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery and advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector.
