From Marcel Duru, Owerri.
The New Medical Director of Federal Medical Center Owerri Dr. Emily Nzeribe has said that FMC Okigwe was created on June 3, 2026 after FG and Imo Govt signed the MoU to upgrade the former General Hospital, Okigwe because it’s a take-off facility, it’s inheriting many of the problems that affect new upgraded FMCs in Nigeria. She highlighted that the facility was a state General Hospital, so it needs to be upgraded to meet full FMC/tertiary hospital standards. FG has promised adequate funding, infrastructure development, equipment provision, Imo Govt says it has completed critical infrastructure required for the seamless take-over”, but specialist equipment for surgery, radiology, ICU, labs, cancer centre, oxygen plant amongst others will still need major investment. Other FMCs have complained about delayed capital projects due to inadequate funding. Nzeribe further stated that Manpower staffing Gap is another big immediate challenge, the Minister said FG will “immediately commence a comprehensive audit of the facility’s workforce”. Plan to Retain staff willing to transition to federal service, then identify existing gaps and move swiftly to recruit additional personnel adding that Other health facilities in Imo are already dealing with “shortage of manpower” – some PHCs run with just 1-2 permanent staff and volunteers.”Analysts have warned about financial and logistical implications of creating new FMCs without proper assessment.Other FMCs face irregular funding delays in BHCPF funds, and arrears for outsourced services like security and laundry.
FMC Owerri also had issues with withheld salaries and “no work no pay” disputes. Administrative and Labour Issues,Dr Nsofor said thatTransition of assets, liabilities and workforce from state to federal Other FMCs have had “industrial crises”, problems with promotion irregularities, salary delays, and employment racketeering.He added that FG will need to prevent similar union disputes to avoid closure like FMC Owerri experienced. Nsofor also stated that Service Pressure and AccessImo became theonly state without an FMC after FMC Owerri was converted to FUTO Teaching Hospital, expectation is high now to bring specialist healthcare services closer to Nigerians and reduce the burden of medical tourism and serve Okigwe and neighbouring states,that means high patient influx from day one while still upgrading.Nsofor opined that other Operational Issues Includes Security Okigwe zone has had security challenges. Other health facilities complain of “low perimeter fence” and encroachment.FMC need 24hr power. Other centres rely on solar and generator, Water supply is also a problem in some facility deteriorating shortly after completion has been reported elsewhere. However Mrs Joy Obi said that key challenges for FMC Okigwe now are upgrading infrastructure/equipment recruiting specialist manpower securing steady funding, avoiding the labour and administrative crises that effected FMC Owerri.
