By Nafisat Makinde
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Nigerian Senate passed the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gembu, Taraba State.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District.
According to Senator Manu, “The people of Gembu and surrounding communities are forced to travel to Jalingo, Yola, Gombe, or even Cameroon for advanced medical services, leading to financial strain and high mortality rates due to delays.”
Senator Manu described the passage of the bill as a breakthrough for a region that has long suffered poor access to quality medicare.
He commended his colleagues for their support towards the passage of the Bill, stating that with this development, medicare is now within reach for Taraba Central.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to the President for assent.
This development is expected to bring relief to the people of Taraba State and the entire North East region, who will now have access to quality medical care without having to travel long distances.
