A member of house of representatives from Kogi, Tajudeen Yusuf has begged the minister of health, Osagie Ehanire to reopen the federal medical centre in the state.
Recall that thugs attacked the medical centre and it was eventually closed since July.
The disruption occurred during a press conference where the mangement of the hospital was planning to request for a COVID-19 screening centre and speak on challenges faced by the medical institution.
Some parts of the hospital were also vandalised by the hoodlums.
The appeal was made by the federal lawmaker, Yusuf in a statement released on Friday.
The federal lawmaker, Yusuf said the closure of the hospital “has meant more deaths for patients whose health complications would have been better managed at FMC Lokoja”.
“Four months ago, FMC Lokoja, the only federal health facility in the confluence state offering quality, professional services to indigenes and residents in the state, was closed on the orders of the federal ministry of health following an alleged invasion of the hospital by thugs,” the legislator said.
“Since then, our people have been travelling all the way to Abuja or Akure, Ibadan and Lagos for health conditions that could otherwise be treated at FMC Lokoja; patients with prior medical appointments now face the rigours of travelling, even at the risk of further complicating their health challenges.
“Many indigent patients are now forced to live in precarious conditions and several of those who can afford the trips to Abuja or other cities face increased likelihood of death.
“People from all three senatorial districts and seven federal constituencies in Kogi State are stridently appealing to the conscience of the Minister and others in authority for the re-opening of FMC, Lokoja.
“The centre has some of the best hands in most fields of medical care, including expert eye surgeons and one of the very best cardiologists in Nigeria.”
The lawmaker added that the “senselessness of a few irrational elements” should not be the basis for which Kogi residents are punished.