The Nigerian Senate has approved the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355). This bill allows for the creation of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
The bill was introduced on February 21, 2024, by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung. He represents the Kaduna South Senatorial District. Senator Katung said the approval is a major step in solving the region’s healthcare challenges.
“This new FMC will reduce the need for long travel to get specialist care. Many patients suffer delays or even die because of the distance,” Katung explained.
Before the bill was passed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already approved the creation of the medical centre. The next step is for a conference committee from both the Senate and the House of Representatives to agree on the final version. After that, it will be sent to the President for his official approval.
Senator Katung said the centre will not only improve healthcare but also help the local economy. It will create jobs, attract health workers, and support training and research.
He thanked President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and other lawmakers for their support.
“This is a big step toward fair healthcare across Nigeria,” he added. “It shows my strong commitment to the people of Southern Kaduna.”
The Senate’s approval brings the region closer to getting the medical centre it has long needed.
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