By Fatima Saka
In a bid to reduce medical tourism and enhance healthcare delivery, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, has emphasized the commitment of Kebbi State’s diaspora in advancing medicine, not only within the state but across Nigeria.
The senator is sponsoring a bill for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Zuru in Kebbi State, highlighting the expertise of Kebbi-born medical professionals.
He noted that the first successful kidney transplant in Sokoto, conducted just two months ago, was performed by medical experts from Kebbi in collaboration with the state’s diaspora doctors.
Senator Maidoki made this appeal during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, on Thursday in Abuja.
Historical Context and Justification for FMC Zuru
Maidoki explained that Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) were originally established under Decree No.10 of 1985 (University Teaching Hospitals Decree), which has since been codified into Nigerian law. Specifically, FMC Birnin Kebbi was established on June 6, 2000, under CAP 462 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
“These FMCs were created across the country to serve as tertiary healthcare facilities,” he said. “Their establishment ensures a structured healthcare system, flowing from Primary Health Centers and General Hospitals (secondary healthcare providers) to FMCs, Teaching Hospitals, and Research Centers as tertiary providers.”
He further noted that FMC Birnin Kebbi has now been upgraded to a University Teaching Hospital, a development widely appreciated by the people of Kebbi State.
Healthcare Infrastructure in Zuru and the Need for FMC
The senator highlighted the existing primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Zuru Emirate, which consists of four local governments. These include:
General Hospitals in Bena, Wasagu, Ribah, Dirin Daji, Mahuta, Senchi, Zuru, Yauri, Warah, and Shanga
Rural Health Centers serving major villages across the senatorial district
He emphasized that the proposed FMC Zuru would not only serve Kebbi State but also provide healthcare access to neighboring areas within a 50km radius, including parts of Niger, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.
A Call for Legislative and Governmental Support
Senator Maidoki underscored the importance of healthcare, stating:
“It is a well-known fact that health is wealth, and every individual strives to maintain their well-being. Therefore, I urge my distinguished colleagues and the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare to support this bill, which seeks to provide secondary healthcare facilities for a disadvantaged population that deserves access to quality healthcare.”
Group Hail’s Hon. Abejide for Legislative Achievements, Constituency Development
He further appealed to his fellow lawmakers, urging them to endorse the bill to ensure that the people of Zuru and Yauri Emirates receive the healthcare services they need, emphasizing that healthcare is a fundamental right that should be guaranteed by any responsible government.
“Kindly support this bill so that the people of Zuru and Yauri Emirates can access the healthcare they rightfully deserve as citizens of this great nation,” he concluded.
