A bill proposing the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Orile, Lagos State, has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, titled “An Act to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and establish the Federal Medical Centre, Orile, Lagos State, and for Related Matters,” was introduced by Lanre Okunlola, the representative for Surulere II Federal Constituency.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Okunlola argued that Lagos’s large and growing population necessitates more healthcare facilities to meet residents’ medical needs. “Lagos State, with its booming population and diverse demographics, faces a critical shortage of accessible, high-quality healthcare,” Okunlola said. He noted that existing tertiary institutions are stretched thin, making it challenging to provide adequate care for the region’s dynamic population.
Okunlola emphasized that a Federal Medical Centre in Orile would relieve pressure on overburdened facilities across Lagos by serving as a “decongestant” for the healthcare system. The new centre would be strategically located to offer better access to quality care, particularly for residents in Orile and nearby areas facing limited healthcare options.
Highlighting the need for the centre, Okunlola stated that the rising occurrence of complex medical conditions in Lagos requires robust healthcare infrastructure. Without it, he warned, residents risk inadequate care, which could jeopardise their well-being. The proposed FMC would address these challenges, acting as a “lifeline” for Lagos’s underserved areas.
If the bill is passed, the new Federal Medical Centre in Orile is expected to attract patients from surrounding communities, easing the load on existing healthcare facilities. The bill will require a third reading in the House before moving to the Senate for concurrence.
