The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North senatorial district has expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal government for choosing and locating Ultra-modern Diagnostic Centre at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
The Diagnostic Centre, according to reports, is the most modern and most equipped medical diagnostic center in the entire South East and South South regions of Nigeria.
The project which was funded by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is expected to conduct up to 35,000 patients investigation within the first year of operation, providing real-time diagnostic services to patients in the South East and South South regions.
Describing the newly commissioned NSIA- Umuahia Diagnostic Centre (NUDC) as a legacy project, Kalu commended the efforts of the leadership of the NSIA, in repositioning the Nigerian healthcare system through strategic investments in the health economy.
In a letter of appreciation to the President, the former Governor, stressed that the newly commissioned project, will reduce medical tourism, adding that the diagnostic centre, will also promote access to quality healthcare services.
Kalu said, ” the newly commissioned NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre (NUDC) is a further testament to the efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari in providing qualitative and accessible healthcare services to Nigerians.
“The President deserves commendation for the novel and time-appropriate vision of choosing and locating the centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia state.
“It is a needed infrastructure provided at the appropriate time considering the COVID- 19 pandemic and other health issues across the world.
“With the newly commissioned diagnostic centre, Nigerians can access accurate and real time diagnostic services.
“The centre will enhance the capacity of health professionals in Nigeria.
“It is our earnest expectation that the era of medical tourism for our people in the South East shall soon be viewed from the rearview mirror of history in the era of President Muhammadu Buhari with visionary and milestone projects like this”.
Kalu, while stressing that infrastructural development is a key priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, noted that the newly commissioned diagnostic centre, will alleviate the disease burden of Nigerians especially people suffering from non-communicable diseases such as cancer.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, admonished the NSIA and the FMC, Umuahia to maintain the facility, adding that the private-public partnership model adopted by NSIA, will stimulate additional investments in the health sector.
The former governor commended the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of State for Health, Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Mr Uche Orji and his team, for complementing the efforts of the President in his robust agenda to take Nigeria to enviable heights.
