By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Imo State Government for the takeover and upgrade of the General Hospital, Okigwe, to a Federal Medical Centre.
The agreement was formalised on June 3, 2026, in Owerri as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to specialist medical services in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for prioritising healthcare development.
He said, “At the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, we consider Imo State one of our most cherished partners in advancing healthcare delivery. We have seen the remarkable commitment of Governor Hope Uzodimma to improving healthcare infrastructure.”
Salako noted that the upgrade aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of bringing specialist healthcare services closer to Nigerians and reducing medical tourism.
“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can access specialist healthcare services close to where they live,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government would begin a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s workforce, assuring that willing staff would be absorbed into federal service.
“All staff members who are willing to transition into Federal Government service will be retained. Thereafter, we will recruit additional personnel to strengthen service delivery,” he added.
In his remarks, Uzodimma expressed gratitude to the President for approving the project, describing him as a “visionary and compassionate leader.”
“We are grateful to Mr President for listening to our concerns and responding promptly. This approval demonstrates his commitment to improving healthcare delivery,” the governor said.
Uzodimma explained that the state voluntarily handed over the hospital to serve as the take-off site for the new Federal Medical Centre.
He added that the development would significantly improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
“We are pleased that all the processes leading to this partnership have been concluded and that today we are executing the agreement,” he stated.
The governor also noted that staff of the hospital had shown overwhelming support for migration into federal service.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government to ensure the success of the new institution.
The development follows the earlier conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a University Teaching Hospital after the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education.
The new facility is expected to fill the gap and enhance healthcare delivery in Imo State.