In a strategic move to transform the healthcare landscape of Gombe South and the North-East region, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed the third reading of Senate Bill SB 866.
A statement signed and made available to Jewel Times by the media aide to the senator Yahaya Joel Musa said “The legislation, sponsored by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to provide for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Talasse, Gombe State”.
This legislative milestone represents a decisive step toward fulfilling the Senator’s “Health First” campaign promise, aimed at bringing specialized medical services to the doorstep of his constituents who have long struggled with limited access to tertiary care.
“For decades, residents of Balanga Local Government Area and surrounding communities have been forced to undertake arduous journeys to distant cities to access advanced diagnostics and emergency treatment. The proposed FMC Talasse is designed to eliminate these barriers, serving as a modern tertiary hub that will offer surgical, maternal, and child health services”, the statement posited.
By decentralizing high-level care, the institution is expected to significantly reduce mortality rates in the region and alleviate the congestion currently faced by existing hospitals in the state.
Expressing his gratitude following the successful vote, Senator Anthony Yaro emphasized that the bill is a matter of social justice for the people of Gombe South.
The Senator noted that “For too long, our people have borne the burden of traveling long distances for specialized treatment”.
“By establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Talasse, we are restoring dignity, equity, and the fundamental right to health. This facility will serve as a lifeline for thousands of families across the region.”
Beyond the clinical benefits, the establishment of the medical centre is poised to be a major economic catalyst for the Talasse area.
The project is projected to create hundreds of jobs for medical professionals, technicians, and administrative staff, while simultaneously stimulating the local economy through increased demand for housing, transportation, and commerce.
Senator Yaro noted that the facility would not only save lives but also attract skilled specialists to the state, thereby raising the overall standard of local medical practice.
The bill enjoyed robust bipartisan support during the plenary session, reflecting a collective legislative priority to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Senator Yaro extended his appreciation to his colleagues for their endorsement of the project, which he described as a vital investment in human capital development.
The legislation will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it moves to the Presidency for final assent, marking a new chapter in the Senator’s ongoing efforts to improve grassroots infrastructure and social welfare.