In a landmark decision aimed at improving healthcare access in Southern Kaduna, the Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355), authorizing the establishment of a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. This pivotal bill was sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, and marks a major stride toward addressing critical healthcare gaps in the region.
Southern Kaduna has historically faced significant barriers to quality healthcare, forcing residents to travel long distances to access specialist medical services. This bill’s passage is expected to ease the burden of healthcare delivery, reducing treatment delays and improving patient outcomes. Senator Katung emphasized that the new FMC will bridge healthcare inequality and significantly enhance the quality of medical services available to the local population.
“The establishment of the FMC will reduce the need for patients to undertake dangerous and costly journeys for specialist care, which often results in delayed treatments and preventable deaths,” Senator Katung stated during a press briefing in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier endorsed the project, signaling the federal government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure before the legislative process was completed. Following Senate approval, the bill will move to a conference committee involving the Senate and House of Representatives to harmonize any differences before final assent by the President.
Beyond improving healthcare access, the FMC in Kafanchan is poised to stimulate regional economic growth. The facility will create direct employment opportunities for medical and support staff while indirectly boosting local businesses and services. Additionally, it is expected to attract medical professionals and foster research and training initiatives, elevating the standard of healthcare delivery in Southern Kaduna.
Senator Katung expressed gratitude to key government figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, for their backing. “This is a significant milestone for equity in federal healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates my unwavering commitment to the development of Southern Kaduna,” he remarked.
The establishment of the FMC aligns with Nigeria’s broader health policy goals to decentralize specialist medical services and improve healthcare equity across underserved regions. It will serve as a referral centre for advanced medical care and contribute to efforts to reduce Nigeria’s healthcare disparities.
Experts have welcomed the development, highlighting that increasing the number of FMCs nationwide is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health. The Kafanchan FMC will also help reduce the strain on existing tertiary hospitals in Kaduna and neighboring states by decentralizing patient care.
Local community leaders and healthcare advocates in Southern Kaduna have hailed the Senate’s decision as a welcome relief. Many expressed optimism that the FMC will provide much-needed access to quality healthcare, especially for maternal and child health services, chronic disease management, and emergency care.
Residents are hopeful that with proper funding and efficient management, the FMC will become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for improved health outcomes in the region.
The passage of the Federal Medical Centre Act Amendment Bill for Kafanchan represents a historic achievement in Nigeria’s healthcare reform journey. It signals the government’s renewed focus on inclusive development and healthcare accessibility for marginalized communities. With continued political support and effective implementation, the FMC in Kafanchan promises to transform healthcare delivery, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for thousands in Southern Kaduna and beyond.