By: Shaft 

The Chief Executive of Federal Medical Center (FMC) Umuahia, Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi, assumed duty formally as the Chief Medical Director, FMC, Umuahia. Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi, arrived FMC on Monday, April 15^th, 2019, to take charge and to pilot the affairs of the establishment to greater heights under his leadership and a new dispensation. On Tuesday, April 16^th, 2019, the CMD convened his historic maiden meeting/interactive session with the staff of FMC. In attendance were the top management cadre and other strategic segments of FMC staff including Medical Doctors; Nurses; and other critical administrative personnel of the hospital.

The parley was scheduled for 1PM but started shortly after 1PM and ended about 2PM.Turnout was massive and impressive and the venue, old GOPD, could barely contain and accommodate the attendees. The inadequate hall facility in terms of capacity was overcrowded, filled and spilled over with the staff who thronged the venue eager to hear the new CMD communicate his vision and action plans to his audience. Though orderly, the meeting was as expected characterized by frequent interjections of applause and cheering by the staff. Frequent pushing and shoving was also part the activities observed indulged by the staff in the attempts to have a glimpse of the CMD addressing the audience. The venue proved to be inadequate and uncomfortable relative to the size of the staff in attendance. Majority of the staff was outside the main hall contributing to noisy environment as a result. Many who turned out for the historic inaugural meeting could not participate effectively, though present physically in the venue. This issue of the choice of the venue was largely highlighted by many staff. This matter incidentally has brought to light and to the attention of the new CMD and the Management of the medical institution the need for appropriate meeting facilities and auditorium for important engagements of this critical importance and magnitude.

Notwithstanding, these elements of setback and inconvenience did not discourage or hinder the smooth progress of the meeting. The CMD and the staff went ahead with the meeting unperturbed, demonstrating in the process the grit and passion to overcome by all means any barriers undeterred.

Abia Facts News Reporter could not gain access to the main hall of the meeting on account of the fore stated compact space. A chat with witty, humorous, and philosophical Mr. Rowland Ekpemu, Head of Department of Administration in his office at the end of the meeting provided the following insights and perspectives on the essence of the CMD’s meeting with the staff. The HOD in his amiable disposition resolutely insisted he is functioning in his capacity and status solely by God’s grace and acknowledged his unshakable belief and testimony of Divine Interventions in human affairs. Mr. Ekpemu described the appointment of the CMD, primarily as another manifestation of God’s desire and blessing for FMC Umuahia.

Asked to share his expectation of the future and prospects of FMC Umuahia in the new dispensation, Mr. Ekpemu responded by saying he firmly believes there can be no better yesterday but only better tomorrow. He declared emphatically tomorrow (the future) for FMC Umuahia is envisaged to be better and greater in all ramifications. The HOD Administration using this philosophical persuasion effectively affirmed his belief and conviction in FMC Umuahia transforming to a Federal Teaching Hospital within the CMD’S tenure. On what he intends to do to ensure using his good offices to galvanize and mobilize effectively the staff of the hospital for optimal productivity in the new leadership and dispensation, he pointed out the entire staff are under constituted appropriate authorities and the authorities have provided guidelines for due process and in terms of discipline for proper professional conduct. Strict compliance of the guidelines and due process would be observed by the staff, proper motivation would be provided and considered, the HOD explained.

On the critical issues or challenges in FMCs as key institutions in the healthcare provision and FMC Umuahia specifically, Mr Ekpemu, stated that FMCs are existing essentially because of the patients and submitted FMC Umuahia accordingly needs everything required to take care effectively of the clients who are the patients. He identified the following areas as requiring critical attention: adequate staffing in terms of doctors, nurses, and other logistics support. FMC Umuahia would continue to the best it can to respond appropriately to these needs within the ambits of competing needs relative available resource especially finance.

HOD administration reflected on the past and the genesis of FMC Umuahia, erstwhile Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and pointed it out it started as mission hospital and the foundation was laid firmly in Christ by the Founders. He expressed the view optimistically the Christ-like foundation of the hospital at the time of inception be restored soon. Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi, in this particular context is expected to serve as veritable Divinely ordained instrument or tool in the realization of this vision.

Prior to his appointment as the substantive Chief Medical Director, FMC Umuahia, four CMDs have taken turns to serve as Chief Executives respectively. The immediate outgone CMD was Dr. Abali Chuku and predecessor of the incumbent. Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi, effectively has assumed duty as the fifth Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Center Umuahia.

Efforts by Abia Facts News Reporter to speak directly with Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi was not fruitful as he was immediately scheduled to  hold a separate meeting with some critical hierarchies of the hospital.