The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Hon. Joseph Ekumankama has disclosed that he would run an all-inclusive open door policy with all stakeholders in the health sector, that would enable for quality interactions where ideas and knowledge can be shared and implemented, geared towards achieving excellent healthcare delivery.
Hon. Ekumankama made this known when members from the Forum of Chairmen of Health Institutions in Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry to congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment as Minister of State for Health based on his track record of relentless service to the nation.
The Minister who was delighted by their visit seized the opportunity to appreciate the Chairmen for the selfless services rendered to the country, in ensuring that the hospitals and institutions governed by them are effectively managed. He assured them that he would consolidate on the foundation laid by his predecessor, with new ideas and further strategically implement whatever projects or policies that existed.
Speaking further, Hon. Ekumankama admonished the body to work in synergy with the management of their institutions and always feel free to reach out to him at any given time, by bringing to his attention challenges faced in their various institutions. “My doors are always open, my lines are open to you all and at the appropriate time I will start visiting the hospitals to enable me know what is on ground and things that the Ministry can do for you through intervention funds, budgeted fund or even the ones that we can put into the next budget, so that at the end of the day, cases that are beyond your capacity, can be handled at the Ministry level”.
He disclosed that on resumption to office, he had seen letters and petitions of crisis in some hospitals, mainly between the Board Chairmen and Medical Directors, some concerning the statutory position of the tenure of the Board. “I am already looking into it and promise to do justice to every case that comes to my office. I will reiterate here, that it is not my place to dissolve the Board. It is not in my place to determine when the Board is to be dissolved, we will seek the advice of the Presidency through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, but as for the moment the status quo remains,” the Minister stated.
In his remarks earlier, the team lead and Chairman of the Forum, Prince Sule-iko Sami, said that the visit was among others to establish a working relationship with the Minister, as well as intimate him of the mandate of their Forum.
Prince Sami revealed, that the body which is registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission was established to monitor and oversee federal government policies, implement and promote effective and harmonious relationship between the heads of health agencies and its regulator; the Federal Ministry of Health. The Board he said, ensures also that all agencies under the forum aligns with the mandate of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda for the health sector.
By: Blessing Efem
Signed: A.A.A Chindaya (Deputy Director Media & Public Relations)
