Federal Government Accelerates Plans for New Medical Centre in Delta Community
The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to expedite the establishment of a proposed Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Udu Kingdom, located within Delta State. This significant development was confirmed by Dr. Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Key Milestones and Timelines
Minister Salako provided assurances to a delegation led by HRM Engr. Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, the Paramount Ruler of Udu Kingdom, that critical project milestones would be achieved according to the current administration's schedule. He specifically highlighted that a groundbreaking ceremony at the permanent site is a priority target.
The minister emphasized that this initiative is a direct reflection of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes enhanced healthcare delivery as a fundamental component of national development. "There is no way you can renew the hope of anybody if you do not secure the health of the people," Salako stated, noting that this administration has established the highest number of new federal tertiary health institutions in approximately three years.
Project Prioritization and Community Collaboration
Salako detailed that the project has been given high priority by the ministry, with medical commodities valued at millions of naira already deployed to bolster operations at the temporary site. He underscored that this engagement exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between the Federal Government and host communities to expand access to tertiary healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
The hospital's management has been instructed to develop a comprehensive five-year development plan to guide budgeting and phased implementation. "It is when we have an overview of what the plan is that we can align it with our budgeting process," the minister explained.
Community Contributions and Future Steps
During the courtesy visit, HRM Orugbo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and Minister Salako for facilitating the approval and siting of the FMC in his kingdom. "This visit really is a thank-you visit. The President graciously approved your recommendation for us to have a Federal Medical Centre sited in my kingdom," the monarch said.
He stressed the paramount importance of healthcare and education as primary drivers of societal development. The community has already made substantial contributions, including:
- Providing a temporary site for initial operations.
- Donating medical supplies to support early-stage activities.
- HRM Orugbo personally contributing drugs worth ₦5 million.
- Mobilizing additional support from indigenes, including those in the diaspora.
The monarch urged the Federal Government to expedite subsequent project phases, particularly focusing on land documentation and facility design. "We have carried out the survey of the land, but we need to move beyond the survey plan," he noted, while assuring continued cooperation from the kingdom.
Minister Salako commended Udu Kingdom for donating land for the project and pledged ministry support in guiding proper documentation and ownership processes, as well as aligning digital health plans with national systems.
