Health Minister Unveils GOPD, Medical Ward, MOP Buildings At NAUTH Permanent Site

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Co-ordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has emphasised the critical need for effective collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as key stakeholders, in achieving healthcare delivery in the country.

Dr. Pate made the remark at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital’s Permanent Site in Nnewi, Anambra State, while commissioning the newly completed GOPD, medical ward complex, and MOP buildings.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with activities commemorating the one-year anniversary of the teaching hospital’s transition from temporary to permanent location.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the country’s health sector with the goal of improving healthcare delivery to all Nigerians.

Pate stated that the hospital was part of efforts to ensure that the Federal Government met its mandate of providing high-quality health care to citizens.

He congratulated the CMD, Prof’ Joseph Ugboaja, and his team on the achievement, as well as the foundation leaders who were honoured, and he acknowledged the private sector’s efforts to invest in health.

He explained that the radio diagnostic centres were being built across the six geopolitical zones to reduce medical tourism, with the one for the South-East zone located at NAUTH.

He stated, “The health sector is undergoing transformation under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is focused on improving healthcare delivery to all Nigerians.

“Such transformation is evident in infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, and high-quality health-care services that save lives and prevent disease.

“This hospital is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure we fulfil our mandate. We also recognise the private sector’s efforts to invest in the health sector.

“Health is wealth. Without health, you can’t work. This is the reason Mr President is investing heavily in the health sector in collaboration with all segments of the society.

“In the midst of our nation’s difficulties, we are grateful to God, who has placed President Bola Tinubu in the saddle to help us navigate.

“We assure the hospital community, as well as the government and the people, that we will continue to support efforts to improve citizens’ health.

“We will continue to advance and improve the well-being of all Nigerians through quality healthcare delivery.”

The minister stated that the radio diagnostic centre would be built in each of the six geopolitical zones to reduce medical tourism, with the one for the South-East zone located at NAUTH.

Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, stated that the event provided an excellent opportunity to recognise the institution’s founding staff members who have made significant contributions to its development.

Ugboaja added that the institution’s 10-year strategic and development plan is based on nine strategic pillars, including a strong corporate governance structure, aggressive infrastructure development, and the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment and processes.

He stated, “Our goal for infrastructure development is to build a world-class healthcare facility that will set the bar for excellence in patient care, medical education, and research. This perfectly aligns with our strategy.

Ugboaja explained that the hospital’s move to its permanent location was a calculated effort and strong determination to carry out the mission and vision of transitioning the health facility from analogue to digital operations.

He was pleased that the Minister joined the hospital’s management and staff to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Presidency’s project commissioning at the permanent site.

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor, was represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who stated that the hospital’s success was due to the minister’s support.
The hospital honoured some of its founding members and acknowledged their various contributions to the institution’s growth.