COOUTH CMD RECEIVES MEMBERS OF THE ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH ON OVERSIGHT
Posted On: 2026-07-03 12:25:46
COOUTH CMD RECEIVES MEMBERS OF THE ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH ON OVERSIGHT AND FAMILIARIZATION VISIT The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, on Wednesday, 24th June, 2026, received members of the House Committee on Health of the Anambra State House of Assembly, led by its Chairman, Hon. Tony Muobike on an oversight and familiarization visit to the institution. The visit formed part of the committee's statutory responsibility of periodically assessing the activities, operations, and performance of healthcare institutions within the state, while also fostering stronger collaboration between the legislature and healthcare stakeholders. In his remarks, the Chairman introduced members of the committee and congratulated Dr. Umeakuewulu on her appointment as the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH. He assured her of a productive and mutually beneficial relationship between the 9th Anambra State House of Assembly and the hospital management. He commended the CMD for the warm reception accorded the delegation and expressed confidence in her leadership capacity, stating that the institution appeared to be in capable hands. The Chairman further requested a brief presentation on the progress made so far under her administration, as well as the challenges confronting the hospital, noting that such information would guide the committee in identifying areas where legislative support and intervention may be required. Responding, Dr. Umeakuewulu welcomed the committee and expressed delight over the visit, describing it as the first official engagement between her administration and the House Committee on Health since her assumption of office. She thanked the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the Oluatuegwu of Anambra, for the opportunity to serve the state in what she described as a homecoming. She also commended the hospital's management team and staff whose dedication and resilience, according to her, sustained the institution over the years and laid the foundation for the ongoing transformation efforts. The CMD stated that her administration is driven by a clear vision of repositioning COOUTH to attain world-class standards and global recognition. She highlighted a number of strategic reforms and projects already underway, including the deployment of a smart card system designed to eliminate the traditional file-based documentation process, the reticulation of oxygen in the Emergency Ward, renovation and facelift of hospital wards, provision of internet connectivity across the institution, and the establishment of consultant-based private wing clinics aimed at enhancing specialized healthcare services and improving internally generated revenue. While outlining these achievements, Dr. Umeakuewulu also drew the committee's attention to several pressing challenges confronting the institution. These include shortages of medical and support personnel, dilapidated hospital wards requiring urgent renovation, inadequate medical equipment and machines, staff welfare concerns, and the need to secure and maintain accreditation for critical training and service departments. She noted that these challenges require strategic interventions and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the hospital achieves its full potential as a leading tertiary healthcare institution. In response, the Chairman and members of the committee expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded by the administration within a relatively short period. They commended the CMD's vision and commitment to institutional transformation and expressed optimism that COOUTH would soon attain world-class status if the current pace of development is sustained. The committee advised the hospital management to formally document and submit the identified challenges to the House of Assembly to facilitate deliberations and enable appropriate legislative actions and interventions. Members of the committee also took turns to commend the hospital management and offer suggestions on areas requiring further improvement. They reiterated the commitment of the 9th Anambra State House of Assembly to supporting initiatives that would strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the operational capacity of COOUTH. The visit concluded with a prayer offered by the Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta N., for continued wisdom, success, and progress for both the institution and the state. The Chief Medical Director received the delegation in the company of members of her management team, including the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Nnaemeka Umedum; Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Ifeoma Njelita; Head of Accounts, Mr. Wilson Ezeilo; Head of Nursing Services, Mrs. Angela Nebo; Head of Administration, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie;Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta N.;Head of Internal Audit, Mrs. Uju Ejiofor, and other senior staff of the hospital.
Public Relations Office
COOUTH Amaku, Awka