House of Reps Advances Bill to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia — Sponsored by Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa

The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in Abia State as it approved the Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia (Establishment) Bill, HB.257 for Third Reading.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, aims to establish a full-fledged Federal Medical Centre in Ohafia, bringing advanced healthcare services closer to the people of Abia North and surrounding communities.

During plenary on Tuesday, 14th October, the House received and adopted the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions, which reviewed the bill after its successful second reading. The report confirmed that the proposal had undergone detailed legislative scrutiny, including public input and necessary amendments to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

Speaking after the report was presented, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and infrastructure in his constituency.

“This Bill represents a vision for a healthier Abia North, a centre that will not only save lives but also create jobs and stimulate local development,” he said.

If passed and signed into law, the Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia, is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits:

• Provide accessible, affordable, and specialist healthcare for residents of Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, and neighboring communities;

• Create employment opportunities for medical and non-medical professionals;

• Support local businesses, including pharmacies, food vendors, and housing providers; and

• Help retain medical talent in the region while reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialist care.

Beyond healthcare impact, the centre is projected to serve as an economic catalyst for the area, boosting small-scale enterprises and infrastructure development.

The bill will now move to the Report Stage and subsequently to its Third Reading, the final step before its passage by the House of Representatives. Once passed, it will be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence and then to the President for assent.

With this legislative milestone, Hon. Osonwa’s efforts highlight the renewed drive to ensure equitable federal presence and improved social infrastructure in Abia North.