Titus Eleweke, Editor, Southeast
AWKA, Anambra – The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health on Wednesday expressed deep appreciation for the purposeful leadership and innovative reforms introduced by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu.
The member representing Aguata II Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Tony Mobike , led other members of the committee on a visit to the CMD in her office.
He stated that the committee was highly impressed by the innovations and positive changes she has brought to the institution.
According to him, the visit was a familiarization and oversight exercise in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the committee.
He explained that the committee is committed to ensuring that healthcare institutions in the state comply with the healthcare vision and policies of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration.
“I am proud of the transformation and revolution you are bringing to this teaching hospital. We are ready to provide any support you need to further develop this institution. We will continue to work closely with COOUTH and other health institutions and build strong synergies that will help us establish a globally competitive healthcare system in Anambra State.
“You have shared some of the challenges facing the hospital, and I want to assure you that the committee will do everything within its powers to support your efforts. We will stand by you and work together to achieve the desired results,” he said.
Hon. Mobike further commended the CMD for her achievements so far and encouraged her to formally communicate the hospital’s challenges to the committee.
“Please write officially to the House Committee on Health, detailing all the challenges facing the hospital. This is not a personal issue but a matter that concerns the entire people of Anambra State. Once we receive your letter, the House will carefully consider the issues raised and take the necessary steps,” he added.
He also advised the CMD to explore partnerships with philanthropists, corporate organizations, and well-meaning Anambra indigenes who may be willing to support the hospital’s development.
The lawmaker urged members of the hospital’s management team to work harmoniously with the CMD to achieve the vision of building a world-class tertiary healthcare institution.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for giving her the opportunity to serve in that capacity.
She also thanked the House Committee on Health for finding time to visit the institution, noting that their presence demonstrated the importance the legislature places on the health sector.
“We are deeply grateful for your visit and for your interest in the progress of this hospital,” she said.
Dr. Umeakuewulu disclosed that the hospital has commenced a comprehensive digitalization process aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
According to her, MTN has been working within the hospital environment over the past two weeks to improve internet connectivity and ensure uninterrupted digital operations.
“I thank the governor for this appointment. It is like a homecoming for me. Although I have worked outside the state, I am happy to return home and contribute my expertise to the development of Anambra State.
“The governor is doing exceptionally well, and we are proud of his achievements. He has given me the opportunity to come home and add my quota to the development of our state,” she said.
She also commended members of the House of Assembly for working harmoniously with the governor to promote purposeful development across the state.
“When I arrived here, I was amazed by the size and potential of this institution. I never knew this hospital was this expansive,” she added.
According to the CMD, upon assumption of office, she made it clear that the hospital must operate with clearly defined goals, standards, and a strategic vision.
She emphasized her determination to reposition COOUTH as a healthcare institution that meets global standards and serves as a reference point for quality healthcare delivery.
However, she noted that several challenges continue to hinder the hospital’s operations, including infrastructural deficits, staff welfare concerns, inadequate facilities, promotion-related issues, and manpower shortages.
She explained that during her assessment of the institution, it became evident that many staff members were unable to perform optimally due to poor infrastructure and inadequate motivation.
The CMD also revealed that the hospital’s emergency unit was in an unsatisfactory condition when she assumed office, prompting her administration to immediately initiate corrective measures.
“When I came in, I discovered that the emergency ward was not operating at the standard it should. We immediately took steps to address the situation, and significant improvements have been made.
“The emergency department is the entry point of any hospital. The quality of care provided there often determines the confidence patients have in the entire healthcare system,” she stated.
Dr. Umeakuewulu said her administration is focused on three key pillars: service delivery, research, and training.
“When I assumed office, I structured my vision around three major pillars: service delivery, research, and training. If healthcare workers are not properly trained, the quality of service delivery will inevitably suffer,” she said.
She further disclosed plans to establish a private wing clinic specifically designed for high-profile individuals and special patients.
According to her, the facility will be managed exclusively by medical consultants to ensure high-quality care. The CMD also announced plans to introduce digital patient cards that will securely store patients’ medical records and streamline access to healthcare services.
“We are working towards introducing digital cards where all patient records will be stored electronically. With such a card, patients will no longer need to carry bulky paper folders.
“The card will also have a wallet feature. When a patient visits the hospital, payments for services and medications can be made directly from the card, eliminating the need to move around in search of payment points or pharmacies.
“We are also strengthening discipline and accountability across all departments of the hospital,” she added.
Challenges Facing the Hospital
Speaking further on the institution’s challenges, Dr. Umeakuewulu noted that many of the facilities used to accommodate patients do not reflect the standard expected of a major teaching hospital like COOUTH.
She stressed that several infrastructure projects require urgent rehabilitation, modernization, and upgrading to meet international standards.
The CMD also lamented the hospital’s limited dialysis capacity, revealing that the institution currently operates with only two dialysis machines, a situation she described as grossly inadequate for the healthcare needs of the population.
She appealed to the House of Assembly to support the ongoing efforts to reposition the hospital and improve healthcare services for Ndi Anambra.
“We will move this hospital forward. I have a clear vision of where we are going, but I need your support to achieve it.
“We also need additional manpower to effectively manage the hospital and meet the growing healthcare demands of our people,” she said.
Dr. Umeakuewulu further expressed concern over the welfare of hospital workers, lamenting that staff of COOUTH are not pensionable.
She said she was surprised that employees of a government-owned institution such as COOUTH do not enjoy pension benefits, describing the situation as a major welfare challenge that requires urgent government attention.
