FG Charges New Medical Directors to Prioritise Policies, Patient Care
The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritise government policies and patient care in their operations.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako gave the charge during the presentation of appointment letters to six Medical Directors in Abuja.
A statement by Ado Bako, Asst Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry disclosed that two of the appointees received renewals of tenure while four are on fresh appointments.
Dr. Salako said the Medical Directors must be fully abreast of government’s policies and priorities and reflect them in all aspects of hospital administration.
“Ensure government’s policies and priorities are significantly highlighted in everything you do,” he said.
He listed industrial harmony as a key priority and urged the Medical Directors to maintain an open-door policy and engage staff unions regularly to prevent disputes and sustain service delivery.
“We’re not saying indulge them, we’re saying engage them so issues can be nipped in the bud,” he said.
On patient care, the Minister said turning patients away will no longer be tolerated. He directed the Medical Directors to ensure quality services are accessible and to prioritise human relations.
He disclosed that the Ministry has established a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, and instructed the appointees to replicate the task force in their facilities to drive continuous feedback and improvement.
Addressing human resource gaps, Dr. Salako said the health sector has a faster waiver system for recruitment but some Medical Directors fail to use it. “Some MDs do not respond until we pull their clothes,” he said. He urged them to take full advantage of the waiver to fill vacancies.
He congratulated the appointees and charged the reappointed Medical Directors to redouble their efforts. He told the new appointees to work harder to justify the President’s confidence.
“Put yourself in good standing for a possible reappointment when you finish your first term,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, asked the reappointed Medical Directors to improve service delivery, manage staff efficiently, and maintain cordial relations with host communities.
“Government is spending so much, yet gaps remain. We want an upward trajectory in performance and commitment to Nigerians’ well-being,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe, MD, FMC Okigwe, pledged to advance government’s agenda and improve the health system.
Speaking for the reappointed, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwahmie, MD, FMC Birnin Kudu, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for the second term and pledged to implement policies as ambassadors of the Ministry.
*The appointed Medical Directors are:*
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwahmie, FMC Birnin Kudu, 2nd Term; Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe, FMC Okigwe; Dr. Umar Baba Musami, FNPH Maiduguri; Dr. Mu’azu S.I., FMC Kumo; Dr. Omo Ekeneam, FMC Asaba; and Dr. Abubakar Usman, FMC Bida, 2nd Term.
