By Jonathan Lois
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards the establishment of a federal medical centre in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu state.
A Bill sponsored by Mr Chimaobi Sam Atu aimed at achieving the goal scaled the second reading stage during plenary session presided by Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
Atu representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency of Enugu State argued that the proposed health facility would enhance the wellbeing of the citizenry in not only Enugu state but the South East geo-political zone as a whole.
Recalling the panic that greeted the outbreak of the the COVID 19 pandemic in the country, he stated that the health facility will increase the needed manpower in the state.
He said it was sad that there were only three Federal medical centres in the entire South East region despite the huge medical gap that exist.
He argued: “It is worthy to note that health is a crucial matter in any nation. It is largely known as an indispensable tool which is important in every aspect of our national life. The Honourable Speaker and my esteemed Colleagues will agree with me that the distance of health services leads to decreased utilization and health outcomes.
“Unarguably, one of the lessons learnt during Covid 19 pandemic was the need to have good and sustainable health coverage for all citizens.”
On why he felt there was need to have a federal medical facility in Enugu, Hon. Atu said his constituents were “in dire need of a Medical Centre to fill a huge gap and address the concern of those whose future will be guaranteed by establishing a Federal Medical Centre”.
