Wilson Adekumola
The Federal Government has formally unveiled the federal medical centre, Owerri, Imo State to a federal university teaching hospital.
According to the Nation, Governor Hope Uzodimma, during the unveiling appreciated the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for approving the upgrade of the FMC to a teaching hospital.
“Today’s event which is the formal inauguration of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, is a product of our collaboration with the federal government.
“It was planted and nurtured by our administration as a sign of our commitment to offer quality healthcare to Imo people. Before now, our people have had to travel long distances to enjoy some of these services with the attendant difficulties with distant travel and dislocation from one’s comfort zone.
“It is, therefore, with a heart full of gratitude that I commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister of Health, and his colleague the Minister of State for Health, who is also a brother and other officials who have made this dream a reality.
“In addition to complementing our efforts at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, this institution offers Imo people the much needed employment opportunities with commensurate impact on the economy of the state.
“This institution, therefore, brings with it lots of opportunities to Imo residents, aside the traditional benefits of first class healthcare which we hope will complement the policies of the Imo State government.
” In addition to supporting the College of Medicine of FUTO, this establishment is also empowered by law to run a number of other training schools most of which provide the much needed skilled manpower for health institutions within the State and beyond”.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Board of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Senator(Dr) IsHaq Salman, the Minister of State, Health, Barr. Joseph Nkama-Ekumankama, among others.
