Reps Approve Bill for New Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano, Awaits Senate Approval

The House of Representatives has passed a bill sponsored by Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ikwuano, Abia State. The bill now awaits concurrence by the Senate before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

The proposed FMC is part of a wider legislative push by Aguocha aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding educational infrastructure in Abia State.

The lawmaker is also backing another bill seeking the upgrade of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a full conventional federal university. The plan includes introducing new faculties such as Medicine, Nursing, and Law.

Under the arrangement, the existing Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia would be converted into a teaching hospital to support the proposed medical college, creating a need for a new FMC to serve the growing population, hence the proposed facility in Ikwuano.

Speaking during the Labour Party National Convention, Aguocha said the initiative is driven by the urgent need to address healthcare challenges in rural communities.

He expressed concern over the difficulty residents face in accessing quality medical care, especially in areas like Ariam and border communities near Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, “It breaks my heart to see what Ndi Ikwuano go through to access proper medical care. This initiative will help address the healthcare gap in that axis permanently.”

Describing the plan as a dual-impact strategy, Aguocha said it would improve both healthcare and education simultaneously.

He explained: “It is like killing two birds with one stone. Once Michael Okpara University becomes a conventional university offering courses like Medicine, Law, and Nursing, it will expand opportunities for Abia youths and improve access to quality education close to home.”

The lawmaker added that his focus remains on long-term development through investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes.

He noted that his constituency projects also include scholarships, medical support initiatives, and housing assistance for vulnerable widows.

Aguocha further remarked that empowerment should go beyond material distribution, stating that sustainable development must prioritize education and health.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the new Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano is expected to significantly boost healthcare access, create jobs, and enhance development across Abia State.