The lawmaker representing Irepo, Oorelope, Olorunsogo Federal Constituency at the National Asembly, Hon. Olumide Ojerinde has explained why a federal medical centre needs to be located in Igboho.
Ojerinde made the explanation during the second reading of the bill for the creation of the centre on the floor of the green chambers in Abuja.
OYOINSIGHT.COM recalls that the first reading of the bill was held on the 26th of February this year.
“With the concentration of poverty, low health status and high burden of disease in rural areas, there is a need to focus specifically on improving the health of people in rural and remote areas, particularly if the urban drift is to be reversed.
“It is worthy of note however, that Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo state, despites its strategic location and her population is apparently having enormous health challenges as no quality tertiary health facilities to provide health services for the people.
“Mr Speaker, Honourable Colleages, it may interest you to know that developments in Oyo state is concentrated in the urban centers to the utter neglect of the entire Oyo North where Irepo, Oorelope, Olorunsogo Federal Constituency is located. Mr Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, looking at the plight of my people, I keep on asking where is equity? Where is justice? Where is fairness?”
“Known for large state farming, Igboho is the capital of Oorelope Local Government Area, Igboho lies in fertile country of wooded savanna. It spreads over an extensive area 917 KM². Mr Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, there is disparity in socio-economic development as reflected by the lack of adequate health facilities in Oorelope Local Government Area. The consequence of all these is the pervading low quality of life of people in my Federal constituency,” hon. Ojerinde said .
He maintained that it is logical that a Local Government Area of such strategic economic, cultural and geographic significance should have a Federal Health Facility that can cater for the needs of the growing population.
Speaking further, the lawmaker said: “Research has shown that tertiary health care facilities makes up only 0.25% of health facilities in the country. The low number of tertiary health care facilities per unit population can lead to a lengthy wait for specialized care. The present fight against COVID-19 is a prove to the fact that as a nation, we need more health facilities in order to adequately cater for the needs of our people.
“Therefore, considering the various deprivations the good people of Irepo, Oorelope, Olorunsogo have suffered and continue to suffer in the health care services and delivery. The establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Igboho to service the entire Oyo North and neighbouring states will go a long way to reducing the burden on the over stretched Teaching Hospitals and other health institutions in the country.”
He noted that it is generally believed that when a federal institution of this magnitude is established in Igboho, It will support infrastructure rollout that will eventually drive socio-economic development residents and the state.
“The Federal Medical Centre will boost urban rural connectivity that will bring about influx of people and new businesses to Irepo, Oorelope, Olorunsogo Federal Constituency from within and outside the country,” he added.
