The Federal Government and Delta State have formalised an agreement to set up a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the state, with both parties assuring residents of improved healthcare access.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the proposed facility as one that would serve Delta and neighbouring states while ranking among Nigeria’s leading medical institutions.
He praised Delta’s recent health investments, particularly the purchase of three helium-free MRI machines— the first to be installed in any public hospital in the country. According to him, the state’s innovation would be closely monitored to evaluate its advantages over conventional MRI systems.
Salako explained that the Tinubu administration had placed healthcare at the core of national productivity, noting that efforts were underway to expand tertiary medical facilities across the country.
Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, restated the state’s commitment to healthcare. He said Delta currently runs 65 general hospitals and 441 primary healthcare centres, while three tertiary institutions are being developed.
Emu further highlighted the state’s contributory health scheme, which now covers more than two million people, including 10,000 widows, and stressed that maternal care and informal workers remain a priority.
He added that the spread of MRI and CT scanners to secondary hospitals would reduce overreliance on private facilities and ensure more equitable access.
Both the Federal and state governments pledged to work together to ensure the new FMC delivers affordable, quality care to residents of Delta and neighbouring states.