Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to convert the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia to a University Teaching Hospital to enable it provide quality health care and training of medical Students.
Dr lkpeazu who made the appeal when he received a delegation of Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health lnstitutions led by its Chairman, Dr Pascal Chigozie Obi on a working visit to the State at Govt House, Umuahia further underscored the need to also convert the only Federal lnstitution in the State, the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to a conventional University to cater for the admission needs of candidates from Abia and environs into their Medical College.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu reassured the House Committee on Health lnstitutions of the preparedness of the State Govt to do all in its power to assist the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia in the discharge of their functions of saving lives of Abians and Nigerians.
He appreciated the Federal Govt for establishing and commissioning a new state of the Art Renal Transplant Laboratory at the FMC, Umuahia as well as providing palliatives and medical equipment to check the spread of Covid 19 pandemic.
He further used the forum to applaud the wonderful role the Management of FMC, Umuahia played in effectively managing and nursing two aged Covid 19 patients with underlying sickness back to life which he attributed to the commitment and hardwork of the Medical Director, Dr Onyebuchi Azubuike who he described as a worthy Ambassador of the State towards protecting and saving lives.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health lnstitutions, Dr Pascal Chigozie Obi said they are in the State to exercise their constitutional responsibilities and oversight functions at the Medical Center, Umuahia and disclosed that having observed the massive transformation and capital projects put in place by the Management within a short period promised not to relent in ensuring rapid development of the Medical lnstitution.
Dr Obi while appreciating God for the recovery of Governor Okezie lkpeazu from Covid 19 declared their willingness to partner the State Governmentt in the quest to convert the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia to a University Teaching Hospital as it has all the requisite requirements needed especially with the recent commissioning of a Renal Transplant Laboratory, an IVF Center among others.
Also speaking, the Medical Director, Federal Medical Center, Dr Onyebuchi Azubuike who pointed out that the Federal Medical Centre having come of age is long overdue for upgrade to a University Teaching Hospital appealed to the State Governmentt and the House of Representative Committee on Health lnstitutions to take the matter up for necessary action and urged Abians to continue to support Governor Okezie lkpeazu to enable him continue to govern the State effectively by putting up structures that will move Abia to greater heights.
The Chairman, House Committee on Media and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Chief Benjamin Kalu, the SSG, Mr Chris Ezem, the Commissioner, Dr Joe Osuji, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani and other stakeholders in the Health Sector were present during the visit.
Other Members of the Committee include: the member representing Bende Federal Constituency and also House Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Lawal Idirisu. Hon. Samuel Adejare. Hon. Kingsley Uju Chima. Hon. Yinusa Amobi. Hon. Amos Chinonso Magaji. Hon. A. Bagos. Hon. Abbas Adegun , the Director / Clerk of Committee, Mr. Emenalo Boniface and has in attendance the
Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre ( FMC) Umuahia, Dr. Onyebuchi Azubuike, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Chief of Staff to The Governor, Dr. A.C.B Agbazurere, Deputy Chief of Staff , Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir. Don. Ubani, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji and his Joint projects counterpart, Chief J.J Okorie. and top government officials.
