By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, closed in the wake of the attack On some of its property by some armed youths, on July 1,2020, has been reopened.
The Reporters,an online publication in Lokoja reports the hospital, the biggest of its kind in kogi state,came alive again shortly after the visit of the Minister of State for Health to the hospital,Dr Olorunimbe Mamora, about about two weeks ago.
Our correspondent, who visited the hospital reports that some of the staff were seen making preparations, such as cleaning of offices, dusting medical equipment as well as other activities in readiness to resume duty on Monday.
Sources said the Minister also discussed with some relevant state government officials during which some grey areas that led to the closure was discussed with meaningful out comme.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Association (NMA) Kogi chapter, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for reopening the FMC, Lokoja shut down six months ago over attack on the facility by hoodlums.
The association gave the applause in a statement signed by its state chairman, Dr Omakoji Oyiguh and secretary, Dr Fomotele Tolorunju in Lokoja on Monday.
The chapter expressed delight that the Ministry for allowed the voice of reason to prevail, at last, with a decision to unlock the health institution.
The NMA particularly commended Mamora for his relentless efforts saying in the reopening of the health institution, adding, :”We wish to thankfully express the joy of our members to you, that the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja is finally opened to receive patients.
“We appreciate all your efforts in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the impasse that resulted in the closure of the institution.”
It stressed that with the reopening of the facility, members of the Association at the Centre who had been idle in the past six months could now go back to work and offer services that would “bring smiles to the faces of patients.”
The members’of the association noted that members had waited eagerly for the embargo on the shut down institution to be lifted, adding that they were in high spirit to resume work and offer their services to benefit of the people.
The NMA also commended the Ministry for ensuring that its members at the Federal medical facility were considered and accorded opportunity to attend the 2020 promotion interview.
Other segments of the society who spoke with The Reporters expressed joy over the development and gave kudos to the stakeholders who made the reopening of the health facility possible at last.
