Mercy Anugwu

Mercy Anugwu is a Nigerian physician. She is currently the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha, Anambra State. This appointment was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha

The Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha was originally established as Onitsha General Hospital. In May 2023, the Federal Government upgraded it to a Federal Medical Centre following a bill sponsored by Senator Stella Oduah and signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to address gaps in tertiary healthcare in Anambra State.

As acting medical director at the time, Anugwu stated that the upgrade was necessary to bridge the gap between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery in Anambra State, noting that geographic barriers to advanced care had contributed to high rates of disease prevalence and medical tourism to nearby cities like Asaba and Nnewi.

In August 2023, President Bola Tinubu confirmed her appointment as substantive Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha, among 11 new Chief Medical Directors appointed for federal medical facilities across Nigeria. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed directors, Anugwu pledged commitment to improving healthcare delivery at the facility.

In 2025, Anugwu inaugurated the hospital's Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC) team, describing it as a major step toward strengthening emergency maternal and newborn healthcare services at the facility. She urged the team to demonstrate professionalism and dedication in fulfilling their mandate and reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to providing high quality and life-saving services to the public.

Controversy In 2024, 406 persons were discovered to be smuggled into the payroll by the hospital's management. The issue was brought before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character, and Dr. Mercy Anugwu, being the chief medical director of the hospital, was invited to appear for a hearing with the necessary documents.