Reps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw

By Iyojo Ameh

The House of Representatives has held public on Bill seeking to to amend the Federal Medical Centre Act 2022 and establish FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, in Enugu State.

The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, while declaring the public hearing, organized by the House Committee on Health Institutions, open said there was need to address inadequacies in the health care sector.

Abbas, who was represented by the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, said the inadequacies can be addressed through the establishment and funding of more health facilities.

The sponsor of the bill and member representing Enugu North and South Federal constituency of Enugu State, Chimaobi Atu, while speaking at the public hearing, said the FMC, if established will increase access to medical for his constituents.

Atu stated that there is FMC in Enugu State, noting that there is need to establish one in the state.

“My constituents and the entire Enugu State citizens are in dire need of a Medical Centre to fill the huge gap and address the concern of those who don’t have access to health facilities in the event of critical health emergencies.

“As we all know, the rural communities around Enugu South LGA and some parts of Enugu North can’t afford to travel to UNTH Ituku Ozalla that is about 35 minutes’ drive from Enugu City Centre and over 50 minutes from some hard-to-reach communities in the state.”