BILL TO ESTABLISH FMC IN LAGOS PASSES SECOND READING

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The House of Representatives has passed from a second reading a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Lagos State.

Titled, “A bill for an Act to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and establish the Federal Medical Centre, Orile, Lagos State and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation was sponsored by the member representing Surulere II Federal Constituency, Lanre Okunlola.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill during Wednesday’s plenary, Okunlola argued that the huge number of persons living in Lagos necessitates the need for the establishment of more healthcare institutions.

He said, “Lagos State, with its booming population and diverse demographics, face a critical shortage of accessible, high-quality healthcare. Existing tertiary institutions are stretched beyond capacity, struggling to meet the demands of a dynamic and cosmopolitan population.

“The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Orile presents a transformative solution. This strategically located centre can serve as a powerful decongestant, alleviating the immense pressure on existing facilities and significantly improving the overall healthcare ecosystem across the region.”

Rallying support for the bill, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker argued that “With a growing population and rising incidence of complex medical conditions, the existing Healthcare infrastructure in Orile and its surrounding areas cannot cope.”

He noted that the deficiency “leaves residents susceptible to inadequate care, potentially jeopardising their well-being. The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Orile would act as a critical lifeline, addressing this gap in a comprehensive and strategic manner.”

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When established, the lawmaker said the healthcare facility would not only benefit the people of Orile alone.

He added, “Individuals from surrounding areas struggling with complex medical issues would find much-needed care within reach, alleviating the burden on overburdened facilities across the region.”

The bill would still need to be read for the third time before it’s transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.