The proposed legislation, identified as HB. 257, seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022, to provide a legal framework for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia.
According to information made available to ABN TV, the bill progressed through legislative consideration following the submission of a report by the House Committee on Health Institutions, which examined the proposed amendment and made recommendations for consideration by the House.
The House of Representatives Order Paper dated Thursday, October 15, 2026, listed the bill under Item 14, Consideration of Reports, with Hon. Patrick Umoh presenting the committee’s recommendations.
The document specifically called on the House to consider the report of the Committee on Health Institutions on the bill to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022, and establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ohafia, Abia State.
The proposed amendment adds the Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia, as Item 22 in the Second Schedule of the principal Act.
A Major Boost for Healthcare in Ohafia
The proposed establishment of the medical centre is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in Ohafia and surrounding communities, particularly by improving access to specialised medical services and reducing the burden on residents who currently travel considerable distances to receive advanced medical treatment.
If eventually established and adequately equipped, the facility could provide opportunities for improved diagnosis, emergency medical services, specialised treatment, maternal and child healthcare, and other essential medical interventions.
The development could also create employment opportunities for medical professionals, healthcare workers, administrative personnel, and other support staff while contributing to economic activities within the host community.
For residents of Ohafia and neighbouring communities in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, the proposed medical centre represents a potentially important investment in healthcare infrastructure and public welfare.
Next Legislative Steps
With the reported passage of the bill through third reading in the House of Representatives, the legislation would still require completion of the necessary legislative processes, including Senate concurrence where applicable, before transmission to the President for assent.
Presidential assent would provide the legal basis for establishing the institution, while its eventual take-off would depend on subsequent government approvals, funding, infrastructure development and staffing.
The development comes amid growing calls for increased federal investment in healthcare infrastructure across Abia State, particularly in communities where residents face difficulties accessing specialised medical services.
If fully realised, the proposed Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia, would significantly expand Abia State’s healthcare infrastructure and benefit the wider South-East region.
