By James Isaac, Abuja
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Haruna Manu, has called for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility for residents.
The lawmaker made the appeal during a one-day public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) at the National Assembly. He presented a memorandum supporting the amendment of the Federal Medical Centres Act 2022, which seeks to provide a legal framework for the recognition, funding, and operationalization of FMC Gembu.
Senator Manu highlighted the strategic location of Gembu, which shares borders with Cameroon, making it ideal for cross-border healthcare collaborations in line with Nigeria’s ECOWAS health diplomacy.
He stressed that the establishment of FMC Gembu would not only improve healthcare access but also boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance Nigeria’s emergency medical response and pandemic preparedness.
The lawmaker proposed key provisions to support the amendment, including mandatory annual budgetary allocations, private sector partnerships, operational autonomy, and the transformation of the centre into a hub for medical research and training.
He added that the facility would stimulate the local economy, attract healthcare investments, and serve as a training ground for medical professionals, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s quest for universal healthcare coverage.
The proposed amendment is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region and improve health outcomes for the people of Taraba State and its neighboring communities.
