The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has renewed its commitment to decentralize and democratize healthcare by making it accessible to the most remote and underserved community in Nigeria .
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa made this known during the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government on the upgrading of the Ikole Specialist Hospital, Ikole-Ekiti into a Federal Medical Centre, FMC.
Dr. Tunji Alausa described the occasion as a significant milestone in the collective effort to improve healthcare delivery across the nation.
The Minister said the commitment of the Federal Government is to ensure that every single Nigerians regardless of their location has access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his magnanimity for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, in Ikole-Ekiti, saying this decision underscores his unwavering dedication to the health and well being of all Nigerians.
“President Tinubu’s vision for healthy Nigerians is becoming a reality to initiatives like this and to bring top tier medical services closer to the people.
“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre, FMC, aligns perfectly with the President’s agenda to decentralize and democratize healthcare, making it accessible to even the most remote and underserved community”.
According to Dr. Alausa, it is a bold step towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in our quest for a healthier nation.
He commended the government and people of Ekiti State for their foresight and prioritization of healthcare, adding that Ekiti has demonstrated profound commitment to the health of its citizens.
“The handover of the state specialist’s hospital, Ikole-Ekiti to the Federal Government, is not a transfer of assets; it is a transfer of hope, potential and brighter further for the people of Ekiti and beyond.
“This facility will now be upgraded and equipped to provide comprehensive medical services, training, research and becoming a centre of excellence in delivery of healthcare.
“We look forward for the transformation of this hospital into a state of the art Federal Medical Centre, which will offer specialized medical services and attract health professionals and provide cutting-edge medical research”
In his speech, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, said the handover of the state specialist hospital Ikole Ekiti signifies a crucial step in addressing the healthcare needs of Ikole Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole.
“The presence of A Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ikole-Ekiti represents hope for patients battling illnesses beyond the capacity of secondary health care.
The Federal Medical Centre would attract skilled healthcare professionals to the region, fostering a better health care environment. The influx of medical expertise would enhance the overall quality of care, leading to better health outcomes and increased life expectancy for the local population.
Governor Oyebanji, noted that the MoU is a stepping stone towards a larger goal. It is a demonstration of what can be achieved when the Federal Government and state healthcare institutions work hand in hand.
“Let me commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the approval and the Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their great efforts. I am aware that only four facilities were approved by Mr. President, and Ekiti has one”.
In his remark, Commissioner for Health, Ekiti, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, said many specialists would be working at the new facilities and that within the next one year there would be transformation in the medical facility.
Appreciating the gesture, the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku, said the upgrading of the hospital will not only improve the healthcare delivery available to the people in the local government area but it will also engender a rapid economic development, improvement in infrastructure and better education opportunities for the people.