Experts see appointment of 14 new CMDs, MDs creating substantiality in health sector

Appointment of 14 chief medical directors (CMDs) and medical directors (MDs) in federal teaching hospitals, federal medical centres and specialty hospitals in the country by acting President Yemi Osinbajo has received applause from experts.
Speaking on the approval of the new appointment, Anthony Omolola, chairman of NHEA Advisory Board, says the appointment is a very good one, stating that the approval of the CMDs and MDs will confirm authority and substantives more responsibility.
“It going to boost their morale to have a tenure spelt out with structured plans for a proper agenda and a goal attainable service,” Omolola said.
Odubanjo Doyin, a Lagos-based public health expert, says substantive office gives more room for activeness in administration, implementation and efficacy.
“In place of the acting capacity, substantive holder give momentum to service, and this appointment will break the bowl of delay in decision making, approval of documents in the health sector,” according to Doyin.
It would be recalled that Osinbajo last week approved the appointment of 14 CMDs and MDs, according to a statement from the health ministry, the approval letter was signed by the deputy chief of staff to the Vice President and addressed to Isaac Adewole, minister of health.
The new appointment is for a four-year tenure and in two categories. Five of the appointees will be serving their second and final term while the remaining nine will be serving their first tenure.
In his congratulatory message to the appointees, Adewole urged the appointees to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by taking their appointment as a call to service.‎
He also reminded them that their various health facilities should provide leadership for adjoining secondary and primary health facilities through training and supervision of healthcare services rendered.
However, he cautioned the new appointees that government would monitor their performance and would not shy away from wielding the big stick should anyone abuse his/her office.
The names of the new chief executive officers and their facilities are Bisala Ekele, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada; V.A. Osiatuma, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; Idris Suleiman, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu; Abdus Musa , Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; O.O. Alabi, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja; Adejuwon Dada,Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos; Ibrahim Wakawa Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri; O. C. Ogun, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos and Shehu Sale, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Sokoto.
The five that will be serving their second tenure are A.Z. Mohammed, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; Anthony Igwegbe, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi; Wiza Inusa, Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo; Joseph B. Okegbe, Federal Medical Centre, Calabar and Sunday Olotu, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin-City.
 

ANTHONIA OBOKOH & LAIDE AKINBOADE-ORIERE