The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Imo State Government have officially signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave the way for the immediate take-off of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Okigwe.
The strategic agreement was finalized in Owerri by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, representing the federal government, and the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who signed on behalf of the state.
Expanding Tertiary Healthcare Access
The creation of the new medical centre comes on the heels of the recent conversion of the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a Federal Teaching Hospital. That transition was designed to provide clinical training and support medical education for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
To prevent a vacuum in tertiary healthcare delivery, the Imo State Government formally ceded the State General Hospital, Okigwe, to the Federal Government for its subsequent upgrade into the new FMC. Under the new agreement, the federal government will absorb the hospital’s existing assets, liabilities, and workforce to guarantee a seamless operational transition.
Federal Commitment to the South-East
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Salako lauded the collaboration as a clear indicator of the current administration’s dedication to overhauling the nation’s medical infrastructure.
“The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare access and bringing quality tertiary health services closer to Nigerians,” Dr. Salako stated. “This partnership with the Imo State Government will not only strengthen healthcare delivery in the South-East but also support training, research, job creation and improved health outcomes for the people.”
A Milestone for Imo State Infrastructure
In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma expressed deep appreciation to the presidency for its sustained interventions in the state’s health sector, describing the FMC Okigwe project as a monumental milestone.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of healthcare infrastructure in Imo State through the approval of several interventions and projects,” Governor Uzodimma remarked. “Following the conversion of the existing FMC into a Federal Teaching Hospital, the establishment of FMC Okigwe ensures expanded access to tertiary healthcare services for our people. We are particularly grateful for the approval of the takeover of the hospital’s assets, liabilities and workforce to facilitate the seamless take-off of the new institution.”
Driving Toward Universal Health Coverage
The strategic importance of the facility was further emphasized by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. She noted that the facility is positioned to become a regional hub for specialized clinical care.
“The establishment of FMC Okigwe is a strategic investment in health service delivery,”Dr. Adegoke noted. “It will enhance access to specialised medical services, strengthen emergency and referral care, support health workforce development and contribute to the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the successful operationalisation of the facility for the benefit of the people.”
With the MoU now active, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated its resolve to collaborate closely with state governments and regional stakeholders to drive the health sector objectives of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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