The Federal Government and the Imo State Government have signed an agreement for the establishment of a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Okigwe, a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the state and the South-East region.
The agreement follows the conversion of the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Under the arrangement, the former General Hospital, Okigwe, will serve as the take-off facility for the new Federal Medical Centre.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House, Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the project, describing the decision as a significant intervention that addresses a major healthcare gap in Imo State.
The governor noted that Imo became the only state without a Federal Medical Centre after the conversion of FMC Owerri into a teaching hospital, prompting the state government to seek federal intervention.
Uzodimma also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving the absorption of the hospital’s workforce into the federal system, assuring continued collaboration to improve healthcare services across the state.
On his part, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, praised the Imo State Government for its investments in healthcare, particularly in primary healthcare services, health insurance expansion, and specialist medical care.
The new Federal Medical Centre is expected to enhance access to quality tertiary healthcare services for residents of Imo State and neighbouring states, while further boosting medical infrastructure in the South-East.
