Prolonged closure of the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja has brought agonizing pains to people across Kogi State and Minister of Health Dr. Osaige Ehanire should urgently address the situation, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf has said.
In an SOS message to the Minister, the legislator lamented that the prolonged closure of Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja which is the best government hospital in the entire state has meant more deaths for patients whose health complications would have been better managed at FMC Lokoja.
According to Hon. Yusuf (PDP, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), the loss of lives and economic woes that beset numerous families following the closure is beyond comprehension.
“It is beyond party or ethnic affiliations now, too many of our people are in needless pains. Two months ago, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly made an appeal which was ignored in Abuja. Also, at various fora, concerned individuals of Kogi State have respectively called for the opening of FMC Lokoja
“Four months ago, FMC Lokoja, the only Federal health facility in the confluence state, offers quality, professional services to indigenes and residents in the state was closed on the orders of the Federal Ministry of Health following an alleged invasion of the hospital by thugs.
“Since then, our people have been travelling all the way to Abuja or Akure, Ibadan and Lagos for health conditions that could otherwise be treated at FMC Lokoja; patients with prior medical appointments now face the rigours of travelling even, at the risk of further complicating their health challenges.
“Many indigent patients are now forced to live in precarious conditions and several of those who can afford the trips to Abuja or other cities face increased likelihood of death, said Hon. Yusuf who explained that there is no way the Medical Centre’s services can be replicated for now.
“People from all three Senatorial District and seven Federal Constituencies in Kogi State are stridently appealing to the conscience of the Minister and others in authority for the re-opening of FMC, Lokoja.
“The Centre has some of the best hands in most fields of medical care, including expert eye surgeons and one of the very best cardiologists in Nigeria.
While the peace loving people of Kogi State condemn in its entirety the despicable, ludicrous and shameful action by an alleged sponsored group of thugs, there is no logical reason why the Federal Government should allow the illogicality and senselessness of a few irrational elements in the state to become a prolonged punishment for innocent people from all parts of Kogi State”, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf argued.