The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, was in celebration on Tuesday, 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 outgoing CMD of the hospital, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe; Deputy Chairman 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 equipment as possible to the permanent site is realized”, he advised.
In an acceptance speech, Dr. Ugbaja described the task as 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.
Photo: The new Acting Chief Medical Director, NAUTH, Dr. Joseph Ugbaja.
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