Thursday, 11th December; 2025 — The House of Representatives today noted with urgency and deep concern the critical need for the Federal Government to immediately provide and install Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other essential diagnostic scanning equipment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, Taraba State.
The motion, championed by Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida, highlighted that FMC Jalingo serves as the highest federal tertiary health institution in Taraba State, providing critical healthcare services to thousands of residents within the state and neighbouring areas.
Current Challenges Endanger Lives
The House acknowledged that the current absence of functional MRI and other advanced diagnostic scanning equipment poses significant challenges:
Difficulties in Accurate Diagnosis: The hospital struggles to carry out accurate and timely diagnosis of complex medical conditions.
Increased Patient Burden: Patients are forced to travel long distances, often to other states, to access these vital services, significantly increasing the cost of healthcare and the travel burden.
Life-Threatening Delays: This situation endangers lives, especially in emergency situations where early and accurate diagnosis is absolutely vital for patient survival and effective treatment.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
The House is acutely aware that access to quality healthcare begins with proper diagnosis. Equipping FMC Jalingo with modern diagnostic tools is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical investment that will yield immense benefits for the region:
Save Lives: Enabling timely and accurate diagnosis in critical and emergency cases.
Strengthen Healthcare: Bolstering the capacity of the region’s primary federal health institution.
Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy: Providing medical professionals with the necessary tools for precise clinical assessment.
Reduce Referrals: Minimizing the need for expensive and stressful travel to distant hospitals.
Improve Medical Training: Offering personnel invaluable hands-on experience with modern technology.
House Resolutions
In a firm resolve to address this life-saving necessity and affirm the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery across Taraba State and the North-East region, the House RESOLVED to:
Urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to immediately provide and install MRI and other modern diagnostic scanning equipment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.
Also urge the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation to make adequate budgetary provisions for the procurement, installation, and essential maintenance of these critical diagnostic facilities.
Mandate the Committees on Health Institutions to ensure and monitor the full implementation of these resolutions.
This decisive action underscores the legislature’s commitment to improving healthcare access and standards for all Nigerians.
