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By Anselem Anokwute
The Members of the Federal House of Representatives under the 9th Assembly House Committee on Federal Health Institutions early this week visited the Federal Medical Center, Owerri on the over sight functions to ascertained the level of both human and infrastructural development in line with the 2019/2020 appropriation budget.
Taking the Federal House Members round the health facilities, The Chief Medical Director, Dr Kingsley Chigbu explained the ongoing projects,most especially in the Emergency Units, Neurological units, Gynecological and child Care Units. Truma Units with over 200 bed units when completed.
Others include the installation of Higher Power system that will supply electricity for more than 18 hours to help reduce the usage of gas for power supply and other modern health facilities of International standards to enhance their medical proficiency.
Speaking, the Federal House Representatives Committee Chairman on Federal Health Institutions, Hon. Dr. Pascal Obi who led the delegation of his members on the visit, said that they are on the oversight function to ascertain the level of the work done in the institutions as regards to the provisions in the appropriated budget. He expressed confidence that the budget was truly utilize by the management of the hospital and called on the federal government to uplift the Center to a Teaching University giving the high standard of health facilities in the institutions.
He commended the Medical Director for doing a wonderful job not only in projects but also in ensuring that peace reigns supreme.
On the fight against the world dreaded covid19 virus, Dr Obi said that the joint collaboration with the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma’s Team, the Center was able to record a tremendous positive results in the fight as the last patients were discharged barely three days ago.
In his word, Dr Obi Representing Ideato North and South in the Federal House said, ” I am happy with the level of development here. I am from Imo State but I never knew that this hospital is as big as this. This place is bigger than most of the teaching hospitals we visited so I am calling on federal government under President Muhammad Buhari to elevate here to a teaching hospital. Dr Kingsley Chigbu has done. So this will encourage the members to continue to press for the hospital as regards to more infrastructures. We know how here used to be but since the emergence of the Medical Director absolute peace returned. We have gone round and we are going to make our commendations but so far he has done above our expectations”.
Speaking, Hon. Kingsley Uju who is a member of the Committee said that the visit has open a new vista in the Center as well as provided the opportunity to interact with the Management and Staff of the Center. He pointed out that their Committee will continue to improve the National Health Standard.
Responding, Dr Kingsley Chigbu thank the Federal Law makers for the visit and promised that their efforts to uplift the Center will not be in vain as he is out to ensure that what ever resources attracted to the development of the institution is properly utilized. He explained that soon the Centre will commence its full operations in all the satellite Centers including Mbaise, Umuamusa in Njaba and Izombe in Oguta Councils areas of Imo State.
