Federal Medical Centre Ovwian Records Over 1,000 Patients Monthly As Surgical Services Expand

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre Ovwian, Dr. Kingsley Akaba, has reiterated the hospital’s determination to make quality and affordable specialist healthcare accessible to people across Delta State and neighboring communities.

Speaking with DRTV News yesterday February 16, 2026, in his office, the CMD reflected on the rapid progress recorded by the young medical centre, which currently operates from a temporary facility in Otor-Udu, located within Udu Local Government Area.

Dr. Akaba explained that before the centre opened, many residents travelled to cities like Asaba and Benin City to access specialist care. In emergencies, especially childbirth and surgical cases, delays often led to serious complications and sometimes loss of lives.

Now, with services available at Federal Medical Centre Ovwian, people across Delta Central and nearby communities can receive treatment closer to home, reducing both financial pressure and medical risks on families.

Although main operations began in January 2026, patient turnout has grown quickly. Monthly visits have risen from fewer than 100 under the former general hospital to over 1,000 patients now, with nearly all available bed spaces already occupied, forcing management to start planning expansion.

Despite limited resources, the centre now offers services previously unavailable in the region, including cancer and blood disease management, bone marrow procedures, stroke care, radical mastectomies, and other complex surgeries. Treatments that once required expensive travel are now accessible locally.

Addressing concerns about costs, Dr. Akaba said treatment remains affordable, reportedly costing about half of what many patients pay elsewhere, while partnerships are helping reduce operating expenses and improve services.

To prevent service interruptions, the hospital now runs on a full solar-powered electricity system. Work is also ongoing to introduce a computerized hospital management system expected to go live by October 2026 to improve patient records and service delivery.

International Partnerships Coming Soon

From April 2026, the hospital will begin research and training collaborations with institutions including London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Peking International University Hospital. These partnerships are expected to strengthen staff training, research, and healthcare quality.

Dr. Akaba attributed the increase in patient turnout to improved leadership and better use of facilities, noting that previously idle equipment has been revived while staff are being retrained to deliver more professional and compassionate care.

Concluding, the CMD appreciated the key figures and institutions that made the project possible, including His Royal Majesty, Engr. Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, JP, KP, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom; Barr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and the Federal Ministry of Health. He also praised Rev. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive for championing the initiative, commended the Delta State Government under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the temporary take-off facility, acknowledged the support of Senator Ede Dafinone, and noted that the centre became a reality after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the establishing bill into law, while praising his leadership prowess.

He urged residents of Delta State and Nigerians to support and make use of the growing institution, expressing confidence that the centre is steadily evolving into a major healthcare hub capable of delivering world-class services locally.

Credit: Public Relations Department (Media Unit), Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian.