FG to convert FMC Ebonyi to teaching hospital

BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI – President Goodluck Jonathan has given a directive to the Federal Ministry of Health to convert the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, in Abakaliki to a Federal Teaching Hospital as a way of stimulating the growth of medicine and provision of a standard research centre for students in the state.

He said the conversion, which would take place this year, would enable medical students admitted into the Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, to improve upon whatever they were taught in the institution.

President Jonathan, who made the disclosure yesterday in Abakaliki during the flag off of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential campaign, pointed out that his administration would operate an open door policy, devoid of discrimination and disenfranchisement.

He said:  “I have given directive to the Ministry of Health to convert the Federal Medical Centre in Ebonyi state to a Teaching Hospital to help the Medical students in the state. I’m instructing the Minister of Health to ensure that all legal processes involving the conversion were put in place.

“I want to promise Nigerians that I would run an open door government, irrespective of where ever the person comes from. This government will ensure the right of everyone to excel in any area of chosen career.

“Ebonyi is among the states created along side Bayelsa State and I know the challenges facing them. That is why I want you to vote me so that we will be able to give all the needed assistance possible.”