The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Hon. Joseph Ekumankama has tasked newly appointed Medical Directors to identify well-meaning Nigerians within their catchment areas to assist Federal Government’s efforts in terms of development at their hospitals.
The Minister gave this charge while conveying letters of appointment to the Medical Directors of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) Kaduna, Kaduna State, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Azare, Bauchi State and National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) Ningi, Bauchi State, on Thursday 18th August, 2022 at Federal Ministry of Health Headquarters in Abuja.
Hon. Ekumankama while congratulating the appointees said that their appointment was at the instance of Mr. President whose instruction is to get the best to be in charge of the Medical Institutions. He commended the Ministry of Health for the rigorous process of assessment and selection which saw the emergence of the Medical Directors.
The Minister of State for Health, tasked the helmsmen to be creative and innovative in terms of ideas. He said with the global dwindling economy, government is currently faced with the challenge of funding. “Identify those who can be of help, source for intervention funds for projects and provision of equipment’s for your hospitals. If you need the assistance of the Ministry, let us know, so that we can write and appeal to them. Such projects and interventions can be named after them. This is a way of them giving back to the society.”
The Minister beckoned on the appointees to brace up to whatever challenges that they might face on assumption of office and see their appointment as a call to service. He urged them to work in harmony and unity of purpose with all stakeholders as well as build on the positive achievements laid by their predecessors. He went further to advise them to shun sycophancy but rather welcome constructive ideas and feedback from members and staff of their hospitals, regardless of their position or status.
Speaking further, Hon. Ekumankama, reminded them of the enormous trust reposed in them by Mr. President, and the need to justify that confidence by ensuring that they deliver on the mandate and agenda of the health sector. “You owe it to him and the larger society to give your best in service by ensuring that affordable and quality healthcare services are rendered to all Nigerians.” he added.
According to the Minister, Dr. Aishatu Armiya’u was appointed MD Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna, Kaduna State for an initial term of (4) years with effect from 2nd August, 2022. Dr. Dauda Katagum as MD Federal Medical Centre Azare, Bauchi State for an initial term of four (4) years with effect from 4th August, 2022 and Dr. Halima Mukaddas as MD National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi Bauchi State, for an initial term of four (4) years with effect from 28th July, 2022.
Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Dr. Aishatu Armiya’u, while speaking, said her administration will work collaboratively with all relevant key stakeholders within the POP pillars and principles of TRIP. These are patient and relation centered care, open door policy and participatory leadership with team work, respect, integrity, passion and professionalism.
The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Azare, Dr. Dauda Katagum in his response, pledged to uphold the vision of the hospital in terms of excellent service delivery, training and research. Similarly, Dr. Halima Mukaddas Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Center, Bauchi in her response said she will be bringing her expertise geared towards actualizing the vision of ensuring NOHIC Ningi emerges the best Obstetric hospital in Nigeria by the year 2026.
Written by: Blessing Efem
Signed: A. A. Chindaya (Deputy Director Media & Public Relations)
