Wide Commendations Trail DUFUTH CMD's 4-Year Stewardship As She Readies To Bow Out.

The David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu Ebonyi state, on Tuesday June 23, hosted Nigeria's key health sector stakeholders as it rolled out drums to celebrate the four year anniversary of its pioneer substantive Chief Medical Director, Professor Uzoma Maryrose Agwu.

The celebration which marked the beginning of Prof. Agwu's handover process to a new CMD was a moment of stock taking and scorecard delivery with all stakeholders commending the outgoing CMD for what they described as her transformative leadership over the past four year.

Recall that Prof. Agwu was officially appointed as the pioneer substantive CMD of DUFUTH on July 1, 2022 and is expected to bow out July 1, 2026.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event were Governor, Francis Nwifuru and some members of the state Executive Council; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, and the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja and Chairman of the Committee of CMDs and MDs of Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, Prof. Saad Ahmed,

The stakeholders in their seperate remarks, were in consensus that under Prof. Agwu's four year administration, DUFUTH has evolved from the scratch into becoming a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training, and cutting-edge research. They noted that through the CMDs ingenuity, the hospital has enhanced disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, thereby steming the spate of medical tourism abroad.

Governor Francis Nwifuru in his message at the event commended Prof. Agwu for deploying her intellect, dedication, and professional expertise to transform the hospital into an outstanding healthcare institution within four years.

Represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, the Governor noted that the CMDs commitment to quality healthcare delivery and the training of future medical professionals had brought hope and improved healthcare services not only to the host community but also to Ebonyi State, the South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor said: “I salute your commitment to healthcare delivery and the training of the next generation of medical professionals. Your leadership has made DUFUTH a beacon of hope for the immediate community, Ebonyi State, and the South-East region.

“Through your innovations, DUFUTH has become a centre of excellence in cutting-edge medical research, equipping healthcare professionals with modern tools and techniques to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases.”

He added that Prof. Agwu’s tenure had been marked by significant infrastructural development and the expansion of specialised healthcare services, and wished her well in all her future endeavors.

Speaking for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Permanent Secretary Kachollom described Prof. Agwu’s tenure as one characterised by dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and institutional development, stressing that the CMD's contributions toward strengthening clinical services, enhancing administrative leadership, and advancing the Federal Government’s vision of providing accessible and quality healthcare to Nigerians has gained recognition from the Ministry.

Kachollom observed that in spite of the present challenging healthcare environment, the CMDs stewardship was characterised by resilience, strategic coordination and unwavering sense of duty, adding: "your stewardship throughout your tenure reflects these qualities and stands as a testament to your commitment to public service.

“As you conclude this important chapter of national service, please be assured that your contributions to the growth and development of the health sector are duly recognised and appreciated.”

Chairman, Committee of CMDs and MDs of Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed in his goodwill message, lauded what he described as the the outgoing CMD's "dedication, outstanding leadership and invaluable contribution to the growth and transformation of the institution."

"We appreciate you for your remarkable service and wish you continied success , good health and fulfilment in your future endeavours", Ahmed said.

The CMD, Prof. Agwu, while highlighting some major achievements recorded during her administration, said the hospital had conducted more than 7,800 radiological investigations using advanced diagnostic technologies, including digital X-rays, ultrasonography, mammography, C-Arm, CT scans, and MRI services, among others.

Highlighting the hospital’s extensive community outreach programmes, including a one-month free dialysis initiative in 2024, cervical cancer screening campaigns, free hydrocele surgeries for children, and other healthcare interventions, the CMD expressed pride in her achievements within the four years and commended her management team and staff for their dedication.

“Under the first phase of our medical extension programme, we provided free medical outreach services to about 8,000 vulnerable persons, including children, the elderly, indigent individuals, and pregnant women,”

"DUFUTH had transformed from an empty structure into a fully operational 450-bed teaching hospital, upgraded from its original 300-bed capacity, equipped with modern medical technologies, specialist centres, and specialised healthcare services. What began as an empty structure now stands as a fully operational teaching hospital."

"DUFUTH today boasts of cutting-edge technological superiority, ultramodern equipment, specialist centres, and specialised services,” she explained.

The CMD however, identified inadequate infrastructure as a major challenge affecting the hospital’s operations, adding that the lack of a reliable water supply, electricity, and transportation constraints also limit their performance.She appealed for government intervention, noting that the hospital relies heavily on diesel-powered generators which are excessively exorbitant.

“The absence of a steady water supply source and epileptic power supply remain major challenges. Currently, about 70 per cent of our energy needs are met through diesel-powered generators. We earnestly appeal for intervention in these critical areas,” she appealed.

Highlights of the event were the commissioning of the hospital's new Dietetics and nutrition department's complex, cultural displays and the cutting of the CMD's four years Annivarsary cake.

The celebration was significant as it coincided with the 114th quarterly meeting of CMDs and MDs of Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria which is hosted by DUFUTH. It has over 80 participants in attendance.