FG, Delta Govt Partner To Establish New Federal Medical Centre, Expand Healthcare Access
THE Federal Government and the Delta State Government have agreed to deepen collaboration in healthcare delivery, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the state.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Monday by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, who said the new FMC would rank among Nigeria’s top medical institutions, serving both Delta and neighbouring states.
Delta Pioneers Helium-Free MRI Technology
Dr. Salako commended the Delta State Government for its massive investment in health infrastructure, including the acquisition of three helium-free MRI machines — the first of their kind in any government-owned hospital in Nigeria.
“Delta is pioneering helium-free MRI technology in Nigeria, and we’ll monitor its performance closely to evaluate its advantages over conventional machines,” the minister said.
He added that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, health has been prioritised as the foundation of national productivity, leading to a rapid expansion of tertiary healthcare institutions across the country.
“The FMC will provide specialised care so that no resident of Delta State will need to travel elsewhere for treatment,” Salako stated.
“It will also contribute to better health outcomes and reduce the economic burden caused by illness.”
Delta Reaffirms Commitment To Health Access
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, reiterated Delta’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all.
He disclosed that the state currently operates 65 General Hospitals, 441 primary healthcare centres, and has three tertiary medical institutions under construction.
“Though Governor Oborevwori is not a medical doctor, he has made health a top priority alongside infrastructure,” Emu said.
“Within less than two years, new hospitals, schools of health, and faculties of medicine have been established across Delta.”
Emu further noted that the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme now covers over two million residents, including 10,000 widows recently enrolled, ensuring inclusive access to healthcare services.
“The governor has ensured that maternal care and informal sector workers remain at the heart of this scheme,” he added.
He also highlighted that the deployment of MRI and CT scan equipment across secondary hospitals aims to reduce dependence on private providers and expand equitable access to modern diagnostics.
Strengthening Health Partnerships
Both the Federal and Delta State Governments reaffirmed their commitment to a sustained partnership to ensure the new Federal Medical Centre delivers on its mandate of providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to the people of Delta and the surrounding region.
