By Segun Orisajo
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has renewed the determination of his administration towards the provision of quality and affordable health care services for the people of the state.
The Governor gave this assurance while laying the foundation of the proposed University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, an initiative of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta -the new site of the Centre.
Speaking at the event, the Governor remarked that the proposed University of Medicine, when in full operation will help cushion the challenge most prospective Medical Students normally encountered in securing placement for their medical programmes.
Furthermore, the Governor emphasized the importance of health and hoped that the University of Medicine would complement the State government’s efforts at providing health care in the State.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire was optimistic that the proposed university of Medicine would further put the Centre on a solid footing to contribute to the wellness of Ogun state citizens and remain a source of pride to the National Health System.
His words,” Certainly, this initiative will put the hospital on the threshold of greater things to come, as this government believes that hospitals can leverage on private sector resources and management skills for their growth.
The Minister assured that “ recognition shall be given to leadership of such institutions that “think out of the box” and find ways of making a difference in the collective drive to bring progress and quality health care to our citizens’ doorsteps.”
In his address , the Chairman , FMC Abeokuta, Board of Hospital Management, Dr Abdul’ Aziz Labo Mahuta appreciated the State Governor for the gesture of the donation of 170 hectares of land which he said would go a long way in ameliorating accomodation challenge at the present site.
Earlier, the Medical Director, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu hinted that the University of Medicine, will be the teaching arm of the hospital, adding that it will also accommodate the expansion of the Centre’s infrastructures such as the ultra–modern laboratories, modern mortuary, radiotherapy centre and nuclear medicine.
The Medical Director remarked that the construction of the University of Medicine which will be built in phases will be within the next four to five years, starting with departments of Anatomy, Biology, Morbid Anatomy, Histology and Physiology.
The second phase will attract the departments of Nursing and Pharmacy.
Already, the Medical Director said a number of international collaborators have shown interest to support the take off of the University of Medicine. He however solicited the support of philanthropists to partner the Centre by investing in the laudable project.
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