The Federal Government has directed Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to strengthen accountability, improve emergency preparedness, and align their operations with ongoing reforms in the health sector.
The charge was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, during the opening of the 114th Regular Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Addressing the gathering, Kachollom urged the heads of federal hospitals to uphold sound governance, prudent administration, and strict compliance with established policies and professional standards to improve service delivery and avoid unnecessary litigation.
She also called on the institutions to maintain a high level of preparedness against public health threats, particularly the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), while assuring Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in the country.
“Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola. Our preparedness measures are purely precautionary and are aimed at protecting public health. Every institution must remain vigilant and ready to respond effectively to any emergency,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the need for greater accountability in reporting healthcare services, especially as the Federal Government continues to expand emergency preparedness interventions nationwide.
She further directed hospital chief executives to ensure timely completion of annual audits and improve the administration of Medical Residency Training (MRT) programmes by promptly reporting resident doctors who complete their training.
“Accurate reporting of residency training completion is essential for workforce planning, accountability and the efficient management of our specialist human resources,” Kachollom stated.
Highlighting key reforms in the tertiary health sector, she disclosed that the Federal Government had concluded arrangements with the Government of the United Kingdom to establish six new multi-specialist centres across the country.
She also announced plans to distribute the 79 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ambulances procured by the Federal Government to strengthen emergency medical services nationwide.
“These investments reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare, strengthening emergency response systems and improving specialised medical services for Nigerians,” she added.
Kachollom reminded the hospital administrators that Federal Tertiary Health Institutions operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and urged them to remain fully aligned with the Ministry’s reform agenda in delivering quality, people-centred healthcare.
Earlier, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, who is also the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, commended the Ministry’s leadership for its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
He, however, appealed for continued government support in addressing budgetary challenges confronting Federal Tertiary Health Institutions.
“Sustained investment in our health institutions is critical if we are to deliver efficient and quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” Ahmed said.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to strengthen governance, improve healthcare delivery, build a resilient health workforce and advance the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s health sector.