COOUTH AMAKU, AWKA EMBARKS ON 2026 STAFF AUDIT EXERCISE
Posted On: 2026-07-03 12:23:04
COOUTH AMAKU, AWKA EMBARKS ON 2026 STAFF AUDIT EXERCISE Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, on Monday, 22nd June, 2026, commenced its 2026 Staff Audit Exercise in line with a directive from the Anambra State Ministry of Health. The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning, restructuring, and strengthening the institution to meet global best practices and world-class standards in healthcare delivery, administration, and workforce management. The audit team, comprising seasoned professionals and led by Dr Peter Egwakhide was formally received by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, and members of the hospital management team. In her welcome address, the CMD expressed appreciation to the audit team for accepting the assignment and noted that after extensive consultations, the hospital management had developed immense confidence in their competence and professionalism. According to her, the team's track record and numerous testimonials from previous assignments have established them as experts in resolving administrative challenges and improving organizational efficiency. She charged the team to carry out the exercise diligently, objectively, and professionally, while providing the hospital with sound recommendations that would support its transformation agenda. Dr. Umeakuewulu emphasized that the staff audit exercise was not designed to witch-hunt any member of staff in any guise but rather to provide an accurate assessment of the hospital's workforce. She explained that the exercise would help management identify gaps in staffing, determine areas of critical manpower shortage, and create a solid basis for recruitment and workforce planning. The CMD further disclosed that COOUTH is currently understaffed in several critical areas, resulting in increased workload on healthcare professionals and support staff. She noted that the outcome of the exercise would assist management in obtaining the necessary approvals to advertise vacant positions and recruit additional personnel to strengthen service delivery. Speaking during the meeting, the leader of the audit team thanked the hospital management for the opportunity to undertake the assignment and described COOUTH as one of the state's most strategic healthcare institutions. He commended the remarkable transformation of the institution from a General Hospital to a Teaching Hospital and acknowledged the efforts of successive administrations that contributed to its growth. He also praised the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for his commitment to healthcare development and infrastructural renewal across the state, noting that COOUTH stands as one of the shining examples of the administration's achievements. The audit team leader clarified that the exercise was not solely intended to identify ghost workers, as commonly perceived by many people. Rather, he explained that the primary objective was to establish an accurate staff database, evaluate workforce distribution across departments, and ensure optimal placement of personnel. According to him, the exercise would enable management to identify areas with inadequate staffing, redeploy personnel where necessary, improve productivity, and facilitate staff development and promotion processes. The Chief Medical Director received the audit team alongside members of her management team, including the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Nnaemeka Umedum, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Ifeoma Njelita; Head of Administration, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie; Head of Accounts, Mr. Wilson Ezeilo; Head of Nursing services, Mrs Angela Nebo; Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta N.;Head of Pharmacy, pharm Luke Ogbo; Head of Audit, Mrs Uju Ejiofor; Head of works, Engr Anumonye Olisa and other senior staff of the hospital. The management of COOUTH expressed confidence that the outcome of the audit exercise would provide a reliable framework for improved workforce planning, enhanced service delivery, and the realization of the institution's vision of becoming a world-class teaching hospital.
Public Relations Office
COOUTH Amaku, Awka