Senate Approves Bill to Establish Federal Medical Centre in Osogbo

The Senate has passed a landmark bill paving the way for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Osogbo, Osun State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ajagunnla Olubiyi Abdulazeez Fadeyi, a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University, successfully cleared its Second and Third Readings and has been endorsed by the Committee of the Whole. It is now set for presidential assent.

The legislation seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act of 2022 by incorporating “Federal Medical Centre, Osogbo, Osun State” into the existing Second Schedule of the Act, rather than creating an entirely new law. Observers say this approach streamlines the process while adhering to established legislative practices for creating federal institutions.

Senator Ajagunnla said the new FMC would improve healthcare access for residents of Osogbo and neighbouring communities by providing tertiary medical services locally, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.

“The formation of Federal Medical Centres represents a key milestone in achieving President Tinubu’s vision of a healthcare system that serves all Nigerians effectively,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Senate leadership and colleagues for their support.

The Osogbo FMC is also expected to generate employment opportunities for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff, while serving as a centre for medical training and research. Analysts note that the new facility will help decongest existing federal hospitals and teaching institutions in the region, improving overall service delivery.

The initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to reform critical sectors, including health, infrastructure, and agriculture, under President Tinubu’s administration.