President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh Establishment Bill, marking a historic breakthrough for healthcare delivery in Delta South Senatorial District.
The bill, sponsored by the Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, provides for the establishment of the first Federal Medical Centre in the senatorial district, ending decades without a federal tertiary health institution in the oil-producing region.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo described the signing of the bill as a landmark achievement that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare across the country. He noted that the new Federal Medical Centre would improve access to specialized medical services, reduce the burden on existing healthcare facilities, and create employment opportunities for healthcare professionals and support staff.
According to the lawmaker, the project is expected to stimulate socio-economic development in Oleh and surrounding communities by attracting investments, improving infrastructure, and strengthening medical education and training in the region.
Stakeholders and residents of the Isoko nation have welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that will enhance healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to access specialized treatment.
Joel-Onowakpo also commended the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; and members of the National Assembly for their support in securing the passage of the landmark legislation.
He equally thanked High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and support towards the realisation of the project.
With the bill now signed into law, attention is expected to shift to the implementation phase, including funding, construction, staffing, and the operationalization of the Federal Medical Centre to ensure residents begin to benefit from the new facility as soon as possible.
