Reps pass new Lagos FMC Bill for third reading

The House of Representatives has successfully passed a bill during its second reading aimed at establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Lagos State.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Orile, Lagos State and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, the representative for Surulere II Federal Constituency.

During Wednesday’s plenary session, Okunlola stressed the urgent need for additional healthcare facilities due to Lagos State’s large population.

He said, “Lagos State, with its booming population and diverse demographics, faces a critical shortage of accessible, high-quality healthcare. Existing tertiary institutions are stretched beyond capacity, struggling to meet the demands of a dynamic and cosmopolitan population.”

The lawmaker described the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Orile as a transformative solution that could significantly alleviate the pressure on existing healthcare facilities. “This strategically located centre can serve as a powerful decongestant, improving the overall healthcare ecosystem across the region,” he added.

In his arguments supporting the bill, Okunlola pointed out that the growing population and increasing incidence of complex medical conditions have left existing healthcare infrastructure unable to cope with the demands.

He stressed that the deficiency in healthcare services “leaves residents susceptible to inadequate care, potentially jeopardizing their well-being.”

The proposed facility is expected to serve not only the people of Orile but also individuals from surrounding areas facing complex medical issues.

Okunlola noted, “Individuals from surrounding areas struggling with complex medical issues would find much-needed care within reach, alleviating the burden on overburdened facilities across the region.”

The bill will require a third reading before it can be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.