From Udeze Tempest, Nnewi
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, was in celebration on Tuesday, January 25, as the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, of the health institution, Dr. Joseph Ugbaja, took over as the Chief Medical Director of the hospital in acting capacity. He took over from Prof. Anthony Igwegbe, whose tenure ended January 25 this year.
The ceremony, which took place at the temporary site of the hospital in Nnewi, was witnessed by chairman of the hospital board, Chief Ezekiel Iramiya, who was represented by Mrs Rosemary Okeighazi; Prof. Umar Katsayal and Hon. Haruna Doguwa.
Other members of management staff present at the brief, but colourful handover ceremony were the out going CMD of the hospital, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe; Deputy CMAC, Dr Ugochukwu Ezejiofor; Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Chinyelu Onwuka; Head of Accounts, Mrs V.C Nduka; Head of Works, Mrs Pamela Ohanaja, and others.
Speaking after the handover ceremony, the outgoing Chief Medical Director, CMD, Chief Anthony Igwegbe, said Dr Ugbaja, being his direct deputy, was taking over from him on acting capacity.
“Dr. Ugbaja is taking over because he is my direct deputy. So, based on seniority, he will be acting until substantive CMD is elected. The process of electing substantive CMD of NAUTH is on. When the person comes, he will take over as substantive CMD.
“Meanwhile, construction and movement to the permanent site is ongoing. A lot has been done there, and I urge the Acting CMD to work hard to ensure that the vision of mobilising as much departments and equipments as possible to the permanent site is realised,” he advised.
In an acceptance speech, Dr. Ugbaja described the task an enormous responsibility; adding that he would give it all his energy to make it work.
“It is an enormous responsibility; but we are not afraid; because, we have been in the management level in the past seven years. But we need the support of all; because, we cannot do it alone.
“As we go into work, we have three cardinal agenda: Infrastructural development, staff training and acquisition of equipment. This administration would apply public/private module in driving the affairs of the hospital, since government cannot do it alone. Our vision is to rank as the top five teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Ugbaja, a Consultant Optomologist and Gynecologist, served four years as Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee between 2013 and 2017, and Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, from 2017 till his recent appointment as Acting CMD.
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