Asaba, Delta State – The Federal Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has called for urgent intervention in addressing space constraints at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, emphasizing the need to reclaim encroached land to facilitate the hospital’s expansion.
During his official working visit to the facility on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Dr. Salako commended the management for its impressive infrastructural and clinical advancements despite prevailing challenges.
He was received by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Victor A. Osiatuma, before touring key medical facilities.
The minister identified land encroachment as a significant limitation affecting the hospital’s capacity to integrate modern healthcare innovations and improve service delivery.
He stressed that portions of the land originally designated for the medical centre had been taken over, restricting its ability to grow.
Royal Intervention Sought
Following his inspection, Dr. Salako paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, at his palace, seeking traditional and community intervention to resolve the encroachment issue.
Addressing the monarch, the minister underscored the importance of reclaiming the land to allow for necessary expansion, noting that healthcare infrastructure must not be compromised due to land disputes.
He also informed the Asagba that his visit to Asaba aligned with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s maternal and child health initiative, aimed at distributing 10,000 midwife kits to improve maternal healthcare services.
Asagba of Asaba Pledges Support
In response, HRM Azinge acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, admitting that the encroachment had exceeded expectations despite the hospital’s initial land allocation.
He assured the minister of his commitment to resolving the matter, emphasizing that the Asaba community values FMC Asaba as a critical federal institution and would not allow it to be stifled by land limitations.
The monarch also proposed exploring alternative solutions, including the possibility of establishing an annex should expansion at the current site prove impractical.
Reaffirming his support for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, HRM Azinge noted that during his recent visit to the presidency, he advocated for increased federal presence in Asaba, particularly in the health sector.
Commitment to Healthcare Reform
Commending Dr. Salako for his dedication, the Asagba urged him to sustain his commitment to healthcare reforms, acknowledging that much work remains in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
“There is much work to be done, but I am confident that under your watch, we can achieve so much,” the monarch stated.
Dr. Salako, in turn, congratulated HRM Azinge on his ascension to the throne and prayed for a long and prosperous reign.
The visit highlights the federal government’s ongoing efforts to support healthcare institutions across Nigeria while addressing critical challenges affecting their growth and efficiency.
