The federal government has expressed its commitment to decentralise healthcare services for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The minister for state for health, Dr Tunji Alausa who stated this, said the government was also committed to providing quality healthcare for the people.
He spoke yesterday in Ikole Ekiti, headquarters of Ikole local government area of Ekiti State during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between the Ekiti State government and the federal government for the upgrade of Ikole Specialist Hospital, Ikole into a Federal Medical Centre.
The State Specialist Hospital was formally handed over to the federal government as the Federal Medical Centre, Ikole Ekiti.
Alausa who signed the MoU on behalf of the federal government said it would help in achieving universal health coverage.
He said, “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to improve healthcare delivery across our nation. It is a testament to our commitment to ensure that every single Nigerian regardless of their location has access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.
“I must extend my deepest appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity for the establishment of this Federal Medical Centre in Ikole Ekiti. This decision underscores his unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians.
“President Tinubu’s vision for a healthier Nigeria is becoming a reality through initiatives like this which brings quality medical and healthcare services closer to the people.
“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre perfectly aligns perfectly with the president’s agenda to decentralise and democratise healthcare making it accessible to even the most remote and understaffed communities.
“It is a bold step towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in their quest for a healthier nation . I would like to commend the government and people of Ekiti for their foresight and prioritisation of healthcare”.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji explained that one of the benefits and profits of the votes the people of Ikole gave to him and President Tinubu during their elections was what they were witnessing.
He said, “I received all appreciation on behalf of Mr president. In fairness, it was president Tinubu that approved the upgrade of this health facility as a FMC. If the minister didn’t take it to him for approval and signed, there is nothing we could do today. So after God our appreciation should go to the president.’’
