Category: Health

By Ovat Abeng

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has directed members  to withdraw clinical services in all private and public hospital, the state with immediate effect.

The Association said this in a statement signed signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli after at the end of its Emergency General on Thursday.

The NMA said the directive followed the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh who was kidnapped and still being held in captivity since Aug. 15.

Recall that the doctors had on Aug. 19 threatened to shutdown operations if Ezeh was not freed from his abductors within 48 hours.

The association said 48-hours after the ultimatum had elapsed and the appeal to the Anambra government Ezeh was still languishing in the hands of his abductors in spite his health challenges.

“NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all Federal, State, Private, Mission, Institutional and Corporate hospitals in the State until our member is released.

“That NMA Anambra will painstakingly monitor compliance with the above directive through her ‘Strike Monitoring Team’ and that defaulting hospitals and members will be blacklisted/ penalised in line with Congress resolutions.

“That Anambra State government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.

“NMA Anambra State is not oblivious of the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the good people of Anambra, however we appeal to the State government to expedite action towards securing the release of our colleague so as to restore normalcy to the health system.

“NMA Anambra leadership will continue to brainstorm and work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace,” it said.

The NMA commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, and his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike for their painstaking effort towards improving health care delivery and security in the State.

The body also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment towards offering quality health care to Anambra people.

By Ovat Abeng

A Foundation, Ide Global Movement (IGM), has offset the medical bills of about 17 patients admitted at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital COOUTH Amaku-Awka, Anambra State.

The foundation, which visited the state government-owned hospital on Saturday, said it was committed to helping vulnerable people all around the world, particularly, unemployed youths, orphans, nursing mothers, children, widows as well as the sick ones.

It was gathered that the foundation visited the Mother/Child Referral Centre, special care baby’s unit, male and female surgical wards respectively and a sum of 3.5 million naira was paid for the purpose.

Speaking during the visit, the founder of the foundation, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor (Ide-Umuaulu), said the gesture was born out of the passion of the foundation to help the vulnerable people in the society.

He said the gesture was part of the activities to mark his 53rd birthday and that of his first son, Prince Chimezie Azubuike Ekweozor (jr.).

According to Ekweozor, who was represented by the Foundation’s coordinator, Comrade Casmail Obiogbolu, “This foundation which was established decade ago is aimed at supporting and helping vulnerable people around the world, particularly the unemployed youths, orphans, nursing mothers, children as well as the widows and that’s why we are in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching hospital Amaku-Awka to put smiles on the faces of some patients who were not able to settle their hospital bills.

“We have been in this humanitarian mission for decade to contribute our quarters for a better society. We have supported a lot of vulnerable people and we will continue so long the world exist.

“We are asking the general public to please join us in this course in ensuring necessary support for the needies around us,” Obiogbolu advocated.

Her remarks, the Nurse in charge of the Male/Female Surgical Wards of the teaching hospital Ms Ibekwe Louisa, said the gesture of the foundation was a laudable and commendable one.

She appealed to other non-governmental organisations and foundations to emulate Ide Global Movement to look for vulnerable people, and extend a helping hand to them.

“What the Foundation has done should be commended by all. We are very much grateful and we pray God Almighty to continue to bless the founder (Ide-Umuaulu), his family and the foundation management team at large, Ms Louisa concluded.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mr. Chigozie Nwanibe, Mr. Ekene Anekwe and Nneka Ndubuisi, in their separate appreciations, while wishing the benefactor a happy birthday, also pray God to continue to increase him in all his endeavors.

The Foundation also pay a visit to Divine Mercy Compassion Home (Orphanage) Amawbia-Awka, where donation of food items where equally made to celebrate the day.

By Ovat Abeng

The Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ugboaja, has said the state is currently witnessing a remarkable transformation in healthcare system in Nigeria.

Prof Ugboaja disclosed this in a long interview with journalists in his office on Thursday.

According to him, “In the heart of Anambra State, we are witnessing a remarkable transformation in healthcare system in the country.

This journey began with the vision of creating a state-of-the-art medical facility that would not only serve the immediate community but also set a benchmark for healthcare delivery across Nigeria. This vision was realized through groundbreaking and subsequent commissioning activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital’s (NAUTH) Permanent Site in Nnewi on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024. The milestone celebrating the first anniversary of its official commissioning and final relocation of the hospital to the permanent site stands as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, strategic investment, and collaborative effort.

The NAUTH Permanent Site project, which is a medical megacity, is the result of three years of audacious but meticulous planning, construction, and evaluation. It’s a 2000-bed capacity complex built on 100 hectares of land featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including a 240-bed Trauma and Emergency Complex, a 200-bed Pediatrics Emergency Complex, a 200-bed Medical Ward Complex, a 200-bed Surgical Ward Complex, a 120-bed Mother and Childcare Building, a Radiology Building, a General Outpatient Department Complex, as well as many specialist clinics. The presence of two oxygen production plants with an aggregate capacity of 200 cylinders a day further ensures not only self-sufficiency in medical oxygen but also a steady supply to the surrounding facilities. Indeed, the NAUTH Medical Megacity Project is poised to transform healthcare delivery not just in Nigeria but in the entire West Africa sub-region.

These facilities are more than just buildings; they are vital healthcare infrastructures. The Trauma and Emergency Complex will provide immediate care for accident victims and those in critical conditions, significantly reducing mortality rates. The Pediatrics Emergency Complex will ensure that our youngest citizens and the most vulnerable receive timely and specialized care. The Medical Ward Complex offers comprehensive medical inpatient services, while the Mother and Childcare Complex caters to the specific needs of pregnant women and their newborns. The Radiology Building is equipped with cutting-edge radio-diagnostic equipment crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis, and the General Outpatient Department Complex ensures accessible and continuous care for the broader population.

The transformation of the NAUTH Permanent Site is not merely a local achievement but a national milestone in healthcare development. It exemplifies the impact of visionary leadership and strategic investment in uplifting healthcare standards. The improvements in healthcare infrastructure directly contribute to better health outcomes, lower mortality rates, and increased accessibility to quality care for all Nigerians. This progress is essential for the overall development of the nation, as a healthy population is a cornerstone of economic and social prosperity.

Furthermore, this transformation reflects a commitment to addressing long-standing healthcare challenges, such as inadequate medical facilities, limited access to specialized care, and high maternal and child mortality rates. By setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure, NAUTH serves as a model for other regions in Nigeria, encouraging similar investments and developments nationwide.

The achievements at NAUTH are closely aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRII), a strategic framework built on four pillars: improving governance of the health sector, enhancing population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and ensuring health security. These principles are seamlessly integrated into the hospital’s development and operations, underscoring the importance of a structured approach to healthcare advancement.

The NHSRII, through the Compact and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), emphasizes coordinated efforts between federal and state governments, development partners, and private sector entities. This integration ensures that resources are effectively utilized and that there is a unified approach to tackling healthcare challenges. The development of NAUTH exemplifies these principles, showcasing the power of strategic thinking and partnerships through a 10-year development plan aimed at positioning the institution to be among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by 2030.

The remarkable progress at NAUTH has been significantly catalyzed by the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honorable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate. Their unwavering support and strategic direction have been instrumental in fostering an environment where ambitious projects like the NAUTH Permanent Site can flourish. Their commitment to healthcare excellence, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, has provided the necessary impetus for transformative initiatives.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge,” said Simon Sinek. This philosophy resonates deeply with the leadership shown by President Tinubu and Hon. Pate, whose guidance has empowered institutions like NAUTH to strive for excellence. The government’s whole-of-society approach has fostered an environment where public and private sectors collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.

The success of the NAUTH projects underscores the transformative power of collaboration. Sir Emeka Offor, with his unwavering commitment to healthcare, significantly funded the Medical Ward Complex, showcasing the remarkable impact one individual’s vision and dedication can achieve. Dr. Cletus Ibeto demonstrated extraordinary generosity by establishing the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) Complex as well as the Accident & Emergency Complex. Equally, the distinguished Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah played a pivotal role by mobilizing the Anambra Progressives to fund the Medical Outpatient Clinic. Beyond collaboration with individuals, the NAUTH project showcases what can be achieved by collaboration among government agencies. The Mother & Child Complex, the Children’s Emergency Complex, as well as the Intensive Care Units, were all part of the health interventions of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, while the Oxygen Plant project is part of the multibillion health intervention by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project.

These remarkable individuals and government agencies have shown that when all segments of society unite, they can achieve incredible feats. Their support and dedication highlight the immense impact of collective effort in transforming healthcare for the better.

The spirited collaboration and partnership ongoing in Nnewi and other parts of the country resonate with what’s obtainable in other regions of the world. Indeed, that has been how public health has robustly evolved – strong collaboration by the private sector much more than by government alone.

Globally, numerous examples illustrate how private sector involvement and philanthropic initiatives have significantly advanced healthcare. John D. Rockefeller’s establishment of the Rockefeller Foundation in the early 20th century revolutionized public health, funding medical research and establishing institutions like the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, which later became Rockefeller University. His initiatives laid the groundwork for modern public health systems and medical research advancements.

Similarly, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) has made monumental contributions to global health through extensive funding and innovative health programs. In India, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Foundation has established numerous healthcare facilities and mobile medical units, providing crucial health services to underserved populations.

Back home, the Dangote Foundation has made significant strides in healthcare by building hospitals and funding health programs. Within Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa has also been instrumental in addressing health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS, through awareness campaigns and support for medical research. In Kenya, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has established hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality healthcare services across the region.

Rwanda’s healthcare system has seen remarkable improvements due to a strong commitment from the government, support from international partners, and community-based health insurance schemes.

Nigeria is on the right path with the NHSRII, as the collaborative efforts seen at NAUTH attest. Harnessing the strengths of various stakeholders enables the building of a resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of all our citizens.

The improvements at NAUTH are part of a broader strategy to boost quality healthcare across Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), along with its partners, is ramping up funding and extending health insurance coverage through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). This initiative aims to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems nationwide, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential health services.

The expertise and advanced facilities at NAUTH and other secondary and tertiary care centers will greatly benefit PHCs by providing a referral network that ensures continuity of care. Patients can receive primary care at local health centers and be referred to specialized facilities like NAUTH for more complex treatments. This integrated approach enhances the overall healthcare delivery system, ensuring that all Nigerians receive the care they need.

The commissioning of the NAUTH Permanent Site is not just a celebration of past accomplishments but a reaffirmation of our commitment to a brighter future for healthcare in Anambra State and Nigeria at large. As we look to the future, it is clear that challenges remain that will require even more robust collaboration. Continued efforts are necessary to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality health services.

While Nigeria may be navigating through challenging times, the focus on healthcare transformation is a beacon of hope. Beginning with improving health is indeed the right path, as health is wealth. With collective effort and unwavering resolve, there is confidence that we can build a better country for future generations.

As Hon. Muhammad Ali Pate remarked, “Our commitment to health is our commitment to our people. Healthcare transcends politics and unites us all in a common goal: to ensure the best possible health outcomes for every Nigerian. Investing in health is investing in the future of Nigeria.”

To achieve this vision, we call on banks, high-net-worth individuals, and large body corporates to invest in health. This investment need not be limited to building medical complexes; it can extend to funding community health programs, supporting health education initiatives, and providing resources for preventive care. By investing in health, we create wealth not only at a national level but also within our communities, fostering a healthier, more productive population that can drive Nigeria’s development forward. Additionally, such investments could include establishing faculty chairs, scholarships, mentorship programs, and research grants. For example, Muhammad Ali Pate is the inaugural holder of the Julio Frenk endowed Professor of Public Health Leadership at the Harvard T.H. Chan School, demonstrating how endowed positions can foster academic excellence and innovation in healthcare. Similar programs at Ivy League universities in America and other prestigious institutions globally have shown how such investments can lead to significant advancements in health research, education, and practice. These initiatives not only enhance healthcare but also build a pipeline of skilled professionals.

It’s been said that “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The NAUTH story is a milestone in Nigeria’s concerted journey to improved quality health outcomes through the visionary and strategic leadership of Mr. President under the Renewed Hope Agenda. As a country, we are individually and collectively responsible for our health and that of our fellows. This is the letter and spirit of the Compact and Sector-Wide Approach being orchestrated by the Coordinating Minister under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The CMD was assisted by Barr. Chinedu Moghalu, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

By Ovat Abeng

The Honorable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate on Wednesday disclosed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the transformation of the nation’s health sector targeted at improving the health of Nigerians.

Pate disclosed this during the official Inauguration of the permanent site and his maiden visit as well as commissioning of projects at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra state.

He said that what was going on in NAUTH represented part of government efforts to ensure that Tinubu’s administration delivered on its mandate.

He lauded the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NAUTH Prof. Joseph Ugboaja and his team for the feat and foundation leaders who were honored during the ceremony, just as he acknowledged efforts of the private sectors for investing in the health area.

“The health sector is undergoing transformation under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, which is focused to improving the health of every Nigerian.

“Such transformation is evident in the area of infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and quality health services to save lives and prevent diseases.

“This hospital represents part of government efforts to ensure we deliver on our mandate. We also recognize efforts of the private sector in investing in the health sector.

“Health is wealth. Without health, you can’t work, go to school, market and so on. This is the reason Mr President is investing heavily in the health sector in collaboration with all segments of the society.

“Amidst difficulties we are passing through as a nation, we are grateful to God who in his wisdom has placed on the saddle President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist us navigate through.

“We assure the hospital community and indeed the government and good people of Anambra state of continued support to improving health of the citizens, “he said

The CMD, Prof Ugboaja, in his address called on the Federal Government to help realise their vision and 10-year strategic development plan designed to lifting the institution to compete globally with others.

Prof. Ugboaja said the vision of the team he leads is to make the hospital rank among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by the year 2030.

“The 10-year strategic plan anchored on nine pillars which include: a strong governance structure, aggressive infrastructure, acquisition of equipment, robust financial management etc, have greatly helped to transform the hospital, enhance healthcare value chain and ensuring health security.

He, however, explained that while management has completed well over 4 km of roads, there is need for more internal roads, security cameras to cover the hospital environment, solar lights, just as he appealed to the Minister for Health to facilitate approval for the waiver to recruit staff.

The CMD disclosed the challenges at NAUTH hospital which include, inadequate number of staff, our schools are still located at our old site, even as most of our clinical unites have been relocated.

He also disclosed that there is need to construct more classrooms and hostels for the college of nursing and school of health information management.

“We are calling for more of Federal Government’s intervention to construct staff quarters to provide accommodation to house those who live far away from our facilities to affect the patients positively, ”he added.

By Ovat Abeng

Preparations are on top gear for a working visit of the Coordinating Minister for Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)’s permanent site in Nnewi, Anambra State for the unveiling of the facility.

Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja disclosed this on Friday in a press briefing where he announced the Minister’s visit as he presented what his administration has been able to achieve since assumption of office in 2021.

Prof Ugboaja disclosed that the Minister’s visit would mark the final relocation to the permanent site of the health institution which would also witness the commissioning of completed projects, as the Minister would join the management and staff of the hospital to celebrate the first anniversary of project commissioning by the presidency at the permanent site.

“We have moved all the clinical services to the permanent site. Administration including my office and ancillary services will be the last to be relocated. Clinical wards formerly run at the temporary site have been relocated to their respective buildings with a full complement of modern support facilities.

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“The Minister will also preside over the recognition of two of NAUTH’s principal stakeholders which include Dr Cletus Ibeto and Sir Emeka Offor, who will each have a structure named after them. Chief Arthur Eze will equally be honoured.

“The hospital will honour its founding members and recognize Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as well as the Governor of Anambra state, Prof Charles Soludo for their various contributions to the growth of the institution, “the CMD said.

He told journalists that relocation to the permanent site was a calculated effort and strong determination to actualize his mission and vision for the health institution.

“On assumption of office, my resolve was to move the hospital from the temporary site to the permanent site. And also, I have the vision to make NAUTH among the top three health institutions in Nigeria. It should be realized that the hospital has been at the temporary site for over thirty years. There were no good buildings, road network, adequate water supply, drainages, and indeed no adequate infrastructure, among other things.

“It is important to understand where I am coming from. I began my tenure as a CMD in 2021. During the COVID-19 epidemic, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the progressives wanted to invest in the hospital, I was among the people who begged him to build the structure here at the permanent site. It should be noted that the building was the first complete structure built in the hospital.

“I have already declared our vision to make NAUTH rank among the top three university teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond with at least 2,000 bed capacity. That is why there is an urgent need to achieve the vision. We harness the human and material resources, the various departments and units with the objective to realize the vision.

“We are desirous to compete with leading hospitals anywhere in Africa. Our environment is made friendly with the proper esthetics, trees, plants, and landscape in line with our dream hospital.

“As the infrastructure was being developed to satisfy our vision, we procured state-of-the-art equipment from such companies as General Electric to ensure consistency in line with where the hospital is going. We moved the hospital from analog operations to digitalization. Some of the staff members are still trying to master it, but it is a constant training till everyone has come to terms. And the hospital places a lot of premium in training and retraining.

“While we are developing the permanent site at a rapid speed, we made a deliberate decision to ensure a happy workforce by ensuring that their needs were met. Promotion of deserving workers was made, and those who applied for regularization of status were promptly granted. “We ensure that NAUTH will not experience work disruption as a result of not meeting the worker’s entitlement.

“One of the main facilities we have here is the oxygen plant. We have two oxygen plants that meet the needs of our hospital, and we can serve other hospitals. Our collaboration with the LNG has yielded two additional oxygen plants. We also have a well-piped oxygen line. Our production and distribution of oxygen is assured to meet the needs of other hospitals.

“The stakeholders we hold very dear are our external stakeholders. We have the traditional stakeholders, community stakeholders, and government agencies. HRH Igwe KON Orizu III has been the most consistent supporter of the hospital. Since I became the CMD, he has been to this permanent site not less than seven times to encourage us. Igwe Orizu built the ICT Center, which is the most magnificent structure in the entire hospital.

“The financial management is key to what we are doing. You must look for money. The public funding is very key, and we must deploy the money where it is earmarked to go. Our external stakeholders are also key to our success, despite the difficulties, ”Prof Ugboaja explained.

He praised Professor Pate, adding that the Minister was determined to see the reorganization of the public health system to be more efficient and effective.

He further noted that the Minister had attracted a lot of funding which he had deployed to improve the public health sector. He said that was one of the reasons he insisted that Prof Pate would visit the NAUTH.

He stated also that the Minister would also conduct the ceremony to mark the establishment of the Regional Radio Diagnostic Center in NAUTH which the hospital was privileged to host for the entire South East geopolitical zone.