Senate passes Bill to establish FMC in Kafanchan

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Senate has passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355), paving the way for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre, (FMC), in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

Sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, the Bill was introduced to the Senate on February 21, 2024.

Its passage marks a significant step toward addressing the long-standing healthcare challenges in the region.

The sponsor hailed the Bill’s passage as a “major turnaround” for Southern Kaduna, which he noted has suffered from limited access to quality medical services.

“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.

Peoples Daily reports that 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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