The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has stated that her mission is to reposition the institution as a world-class teaching hospital.
She made this known when she led a delegation of the hospital’s management team on a courtesy visit to the President General of Awka Development Union, Chief Fred Chinwuba.
Dr. Umeakuewulu expressed gratitude to the President General of Awka Development Union (ADU) and members of his executive council for the warm reception and goodwill extended to her administration.
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During the visit, the CMD highlighted some of the achievements recorded within her first one hundred days in office.
According to her, these achievements include the abolition of the manual folder system through comprehensive digitalization initiatives; the facelift and renovation of hospital wards; the gradual phasing out of oxygen cylinders through the installation of modern oxygen delivery systems; the introduction of private wing clinics; the refurbishment of the Accident and Emergency Department; the provision of internet connectivity across the institution; and the procurement of critical medical equipment and machines.
She disclosed that many of these projects were already at advanced stages of completion and would soon begin to have a positive impact on healthcare delivery.
The CMD further emphasized the need for public-private-community partnerships, noting that the responsibility of transforming COOUTH into a globally recognized healthcare institution cannot be left to the government alone.
She called on individuals, community organizations, corporate bodies, philanthropists, and development partners to join hands with the hospital in achieving its vision of excellence in healthcare service delivery, medical education, and research.
Dr. Umeakuewulu also expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Oluatuegwu of Anambra, for giving her the opportunity to serve the state in such an important capacity.
She described the appointment as a homecoming after years of professional service in different parts of the country.
The delegation was warmly received by the President General, the Secretary General, Barr. Raphael Nzekwe, and members of the union’s executive council.
In keeping with the customs and traditions of the Awka people, the President General, Chief Fred Chinwuba, broke the kola nut and formally welcomed the CMD and her team to his residence.
He expressed appreciation for the visit and congratulated Dr. Umeakuewulu on her appointment as the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH.
According to him, her appointment came at a time when political stability and unity had been restored in Awka, creating an enabling environment for growth, development, and institutional advancement.
He described Ndi Awka as progressive, industrious, and development-oriented people and assured the CMD of the support of Awka indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.
Chief Chinwuba further noted that Awka people have a deep emotional and historical attachment to COOUTH, Amaku, and encouraged the CMD to feel free to approach the union whenever the need arises.
He assured her that genuine requests aimed at improving the institution and enhancing healthcare services would receive favourable consideration.
He thanked the CMD and her management team for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Awka Development Union to supporting initiatives that will enhance healthcare delivery, strengthen medical infrastructure, and elevate the status of COOUTH.
He further assured the hospital management of the union’s continued partnership and support in advancing the institution’s development goals and long-term strategic vision.
In his remarks, the Secretary General of Awka Development Union, Barr. Raphael Nzekwe, expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of the CMD and stated that the institution was in capable hands.
He noted that he had no doubt that COOUTH would attain world-class status under her administration, considering the pace of reforms and improvements already being witnessed.
He, however, identified areas requiring additional attention, including improvements to the hospital morgue, reception area, patient wards, staff welfare, and disciplinary mechanisms.
According to him, Dr. Umeakuewulu had acknowledged these observations and assured the union that appropriate measures would be taken to address the identified concerns as part of the hospital’s ongoing transformation agenda.
The CMD undertook the visit in the company of members of her management team, including the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Ifeoma Njelita; Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (COOUTH Chapter), Dr. Amechi Nwachukwu; Head of Administration, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie; President, Association of Resident Doctors (COOUTH Chapter), Dr. Joy Okwumuo; Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta N.; Head of Internal Audit, Mrs. Uju Ejiofor; and other senior staff of the hospital.
