House of Representatives Approves Bill to Establish Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano, Abia State

The House of Representatives has approved a bill seeking to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ikwuano, Abia State and for Related Matters (HB.1605)”, was sponsored by Hon. Obinna Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the House Committee on Health Institutions, chaired by Hon. Patrick Umoh. The bill was first referred to the committee on March 4, 2025, and after thorough deliberations and stakeholder consultations, it successfully scaled through its third reading.

Lawmakers hailed the development as a crucial step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in Abia State and the South-East region. They emphasized that the proposed Federal Medical Centre will not only provide improved medical care but also create employment opportunities and serve as a training hub for health professionals.

Hon. Aguocha, in his presentation, highlighted the strategic importance of Ikwuano as a central location that connects several rural and urban communities. He noted that residents of Ikwuano and surrounding areas have long faced challenges accessing federal healthcare facilities, often traveling long distances to Umuahia or neighboring states for treatment.

According to the committee’s report, the establishment of the centre will decongest existing federal medical facilities across the South-East, reduce mortality rates, and improve response to emergencies and public health issues.

With the House’s approval, the bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence. Once passed by both chambers, it will be forwarded to the President for final assent.

This legislative move reinforces the National Assembly’s ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality medical services across Nigeria.

If assented to, the Federal Medical Centre, Ikwuano, will join the growing list of federal tertiary health institutions established to address the nation’s healthcare gaps and promote regional development.