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By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
Medical doctors in kogi state have appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health to quickly re-open the Federal Medical Centre,(FMC) Lokoja in the best interest of the people, as the people of the state eagerly await the reopening of such a strategic health institution in the state.
The Reporters recalls that the hospital, the best of the Federal health institution in the state, was closed on July 1,2020, following invasion and destruction of some of its equipment by armed youths.
The management and staff of the hospital were said to be preparing to hold a news conference, to air views on the challenges confronting the facility as far as COVID-19 issues were concerned when the youths stormed the venue.
Critical facilities such as computers, files and other items were either vandalized or looted by the attackers who also left some staff of the hospital with injuries.
The Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA), kogi state chapter,made the appeal in a statement signed its Dr Oyiguh Omakoji,made the appeal in a statement signed by the chairman,Dr Oyiguh Omakoji and Dr Famotele Tolorunju, the Secretary.
NMA reminded the ministry that residents of the state were in dire need of healthcare services at the hospital, adding that and such,they were eagerly waiting for the Minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire to re-open the facility.
The two officials, however, commended the Minister of State for health, Dr Olorunimbe Mamora for visiting the FMC on Nov. 17.
They said:” We are pleased that the honourable minister has taken the needed step to bridge the gap towards the quick re-opening of the hospital.
” We are pleased to note that during the visit, the Honourable Minister saw the eagerness of the members of staff of the hospital to be directed to resume work immediately.”
The online publication also recalls that in one of its sessions, the State House of Assembly lent its voice to the clarion call for the Federal government to reopen the tertiary health institution, in addition to other segments of the population asking for the timely resumption of services by the hospital.
