From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The federal lawmaker representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, has remained upbeat in his efforts to upgrade the Achi Joint Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, to enhance access to quality medicare for the citizens and nearby communities in Abia and Imo states.
The bill to that effect sponsored by Hon. Onwuegbu, yesterday passed second reading in the green chamber.
The bill was initially read before his colleagues on May 7, 2024.
Addressing the house yesterday, Hon. Onwuegbu sought the support of his colleagues in the bill for an act to amend the Federal Medical Centre (Establishment Act 2022), to enable the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Achi,Oji River local government area.Enugu state.
Hon.Onwuegbu said, “The amendment I seek is straightforward, to amend the second shedule of the Federal Medical Centres Establishment Act 2022 by converting the Achi Joint Hospital Achi to a Federal Medical Centre,listed as number 23 in the second schedule of the Act”.
He explained that the proposed Federal Medical Centre in addition to serving his constiuency, would serve as quality medical destination point for nearby communities/towns in Abia, Anambra and Imo states, even as Enugu with itd status as regional headquarters of Eastern Nigeria and capital of South East geo-political zone lacks a Federal Medical Centre.
Hon. Onwuegbu added that the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Achi, Oji River local government area will also be of immense value to several government institutions in the area.
These include Oji River Correctional Services Centre, the Oji River Police College, Federal Cooperative College Oji River.the Civil Defence Training Center, Oji River and the newly established Federal University of Dental Technology and Therapy.
He stated further that the proposed Federal Medical Centre at Achi will be a training ground for medical students undergoing the mandatory one year housemanship/intenship programme.
According to Hon.Onwuegbu, there are several existing facilities within Achi Joint hospital,including a huge land mass for expansion enhances the chances of realising the project.
His words, “With a little upgrading of the existing infrastructure and facilities, the proposed Federal Medical Centre will take off effortlessly and provide proper diagnostic,curative.preventive and rehabilitative medical services to the people in those areas and far beyond. “
