From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has charged the newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to commit themselves effectively and efficiently to achieving the goals of government policies and priorities.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako.
He said Dr. Salako gave the charge while presenting letters of appointment to six Medical Directors in Abuja. Two of the appointments are renewals of tenure, while the other four are fresh appointments.
In his words: “I want to encourage you to be fully abreast of government policies and priorities and ensure that they are reflected in everything you do.”
The minister said industrial harmony is one of the government’s key priorities, urging them to always engage their workers and adopt an open-door policy to maintain peace and strengthen industrial harmony in their respective health institutions for effective service delivery.
“So I want you to please take that as a priority. Ensure you maintain an open-door policy with the unions and continuously engage them.
“We are not saying you should indulge them, but engage them so that issues can be nipped in the bud through dialogue. That is a priority,” he reiterated.
He further encouraged them to ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible and to prioritise human relations, warning that situations where patients are turned away would not be tolerated.
He explained that the Ministry of Health has set up a task force on clinical governance and patient safety.
He therefore charged the Medical Directors to replicate this initiative in their respective facilities to ensure continuous feedback from patients for improvement where necessary.
On the human resources challenges in the health sector, Dr. Salako said: “We are challenged in several ways in the health sector in terms of human resources.
“Now we have a faster waiver system for employment, but unfortunately, some of our Medical Directors do not respond promptly until we push them.” He urged them to take full advantage of this opportunity.
While congratulating them, the minister called on those reappointed to redouble their efforts, and urged the newly appointed Medical Directors to work harder to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President.
“You place yourself in good standing for possible reappointment when you perform well in your first term,” he added.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Permanent Secretary-Designate and Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics Department, Dr. Kamil Shoretire, challenged those reappointed to improve service delivery, ensure efficient management of their institutions and staff, and maintain cordial relationships with their host communities.
She noted that despite significant government spending, gaps still exist in health institutions and the communities they serve.
“We must be able to manage resources, manage people, and also manage expectations. What we want is an upward trajectory in performance and commitment to the well-being of Nigerians,” she emphasised.
In their separate responses, Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe, Medical Director, FMC Okigwe, who spoke on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, assured that they would advance the government’s agenda and improve the health system.
He sought the Minister’s guidance and pledged their commitment to serving Nigerians effectively.
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, who spoke on behalf of the reappointed Medical Directors, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership and support.
He pledged their commitment to implementing government policies and working as ambassadors of the ministry and the president.
He also appreciated the president and the minister for their reappointment and reaffirmed their commitment to justifying the confidence reposed in them.
The appointed Medical Directors are: Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie (FMC Birnin Kudu – second 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 – second term).