Dr. James Enimi Omietimi, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has expressed alarm at the delay in the release of the centre’s capital allocation for 2025. This situation, he asserts, is adversely affecting ongoing construction projects and overall hospital operations.
During a recent visit by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), aimed at physically verifying select Federal Government projects in the South-south region, Omietimi emphasized the necessity for timely financial support. He highlighted that such funding is critical for completing current projects and maintaining the delivery of effective healthcare services.
The FRC team, led by Mr. Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, noted that their visit was part of an ongoing evaluation to assess how well Federal Government funds are being used across various projects. Omietimi stated that the lack of these funds not only stalled work but also created operational difficulties, making it harder to meet the healthcare needs of Bayelsa residents and surrounding areas.
He acknowledged the changing perceptions among some locals towards conventional medicine, as many have started relying on traditional healers before seeking professional medical care, often returning to the centre only when their conditions worsen. Omietimi implored the Federal Government for immediate intervention to ensure the timely release of capital funds to support the hospital’s ongoing projects.
Anyanwu elaborated that the FRC’s mission is to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, stating that their on-site evaluations help to ensure that investments translate into real benefits for citizens. He assured that the exercise aimed to establish facts regarding project implementation, intending to foster good governance and financial responsibility.
