NIGERIAN SENATE APPROVES BILL TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE IN KAFANCHAN

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‎By: Motunrayo Aniwura

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‎The Senate has approved the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355), enabling the creation of a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

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‎The bill, introduced on February 21, 2024, was sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents the Kaduna South Senatorial District.

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‎Its passage is seen as a crucial move toward improving healthcare in the area. Senator Katung described the development as a “major turnaround” for Southern Kaduna, which he said has long struggled with inadequate access to quality medical care.

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‎The new FMC will help reduce the burden of long-distance travel for specialist care, which often results in delayed treatments and preventable deaths,” he said.

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‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier approved the establishment of the medical centre, even before the legislative process was concluded in both chambers of the National Assembly.

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‎The bill will now move to a conference committee of the Senate and House of Representatives for concurrence, after which it will be forwarded to the President for assent.

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‎Senator Katung emphasised that the new FMC is expected to not only enhance healthcare delivery but also drive economic growth in the region by creating direct and indirect jobs, attracting medical professionals, and promoting research and training.

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‎He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and fellow lawmakers for their support, stating, “This is a critical step toward equity in federal healthcare infrastructure and a reflection of my commitment to meaningful development in Southern Kaduna.”

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‎The Senate’s approval is seen as a key move to ensure the swift takeoff of the much-needed medical centre.