By Chukwudi Nwauba :
Anambra State Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo said that all the necessary arrangements have been concluded in order to upgrade Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) to a standard teaching hospital.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said this during a management meeting with the Chief Medical Director, Heads of Department of the hospitalin Awka.
He informed them that Gov. Soludo’s agenda in healthcare is to transform all the government healthcare centers for optimal service delivery to the people and as well as to achieve a universal health coverage for all.
He explained that the administration of Gov. Soludo notwithstanding he is just 2years, some months in office has employed no fewer than 1000 healthcare workers in Primary and Secondary hospitals, renovated and equipped 3 General hospitals and currently building 5 new General Hospitals in Anambra North.
“Renovation and equipping of Primary Healthcare Centers with provision of pipe borne water across the state is also ongoing.’’
According to him, the governor is very much interested in transforming COOUTH to be one of the best Teaching in Nigeria.
“Our goal has always been to ensure people who seek care here receive better services and soon construction work will commence and after which we will equip this facility with modern equipment.
“I want to thank us for the huge sacrifice we are making in healthcare delivery in our beloved state, this institution is the only Tertiary hospital owned by the state aside Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
“Thank you all for always being there for your patients, it is only us the healthcare workers that can understand the effort we put in so as to satisfy our patients and sometimes they may not appreciate it but we must not relent in doing what is right.
“I have taken notes of their challenges, Mr. Governor will surely address them accordingly.
The Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Joe Akabuike thanked the governor for his support and assured him of their full commitment in discharging their duties.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo attended the meeting.
*Nwauba is of the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.*
