The Federal Government says the new federal medical centres in Epe, Lagos State, and Misau in Bauchi State, will each host a school of nursing.
Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting letters of appointment to the acting medical directors, Dr Adeleke Kaka of FMC Epe and Dr Rufa’i Dachi of FMC Misau.
Alausa said that the establishment of the two institutions is crucial for national development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of three federal medical centres in its efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The centres are the ones in Epe, Lagos State, Misau in Bauchi State, and Federal Medical Centre Ikole-Ekiti in Ekiti.
Tinubu said that the centres would offer specialised medical care, attract skilled healthcare professionals, and provide a platform for cutting-edge medical research in the country.
He added that the centres would positively impact the entire region and contribute to the overall improvement of the country’s national healthcare system.
Alausa said, “This milestone reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality across Nigeria.
“This approval further demonstrates the president’s passion and commitment to ensuring that Nigerians receive the best healthcare at an affordable cost.
“It also aims to increase the much-needed human resources for health in our country.”
The minister explained that the centres were designed to alleviate the strain on existing healthcare facilities by providing tertiary care to over one million residents in the regions.
“Previously, citizens had to travel hundreds of miles to Lagos for such services,” he noted.
He commended the Lagos State Government for cooperating and transferring the Lagos General Hospital to the Federal Government, facilitating the establishment of FMC Epe.
“The Federal Government is committed to full support and funding to ensure rapid development of infrastructure and services at these centres,” he said.
He stressed that the establishment of the FMCs represents a significant step towards realising Tinubu’s vision of a healthcare system that caters for the needs of all Nigerians.