The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centers to prioritize government policies, strengthen industrial harmony, and improve service delivery across the nation’s health institutions.
The charge was given by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of appointment letters to six Medical Directors in Abuja. Two of the appointments were renewals for second terms, while four were fresh appointments.
Dr. Salako urged the appointees to align their leadership with the administration’s priorities, emphasizing industrial peace, quality healthcare delivery, patient safety, and effective management of human resources.
He stressed the importance of maintaining open-door policies with workers and engaging labour unions proactively to prevent disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. According to him, industrial harmony remains a major priority for government and must be sustained through continuous dialogue and responsible leadership.
The Minister also directed the Medical Directors to ensure quality and accessible healthcare services, warning against situations where patients are denied care. He noted that the Ministry had established a task force on clinical governance and patient safety and called on the heads of institutions to replicate similar mechanisms in their facilities to improve patient feedback and service standards.
Addressing staffing challenges in the health sector, Dr. Salako urged the appointees to take advantage of the faster waiver system approved for recruitment to address personnel shortages and strengthen service delivery.
He further challenged the newly appointed Medical Directors to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while urging those reappointed for second terms to redouble their efforts.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, called for improved management of health institutions, stronger relationships with host communities, and greater commitment to improving outcomes despite existing challenges.
Responding on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Evinly A. Nzeribe pledged commitment to advancing the government’s health agenda and improving the nation’s healthcare system.
Also speaking on behalf of the reappointed Medical Directors, Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie expressed appreciation to the government and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing government policies effectively.
The appointed Medical Directors include Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie, FMC Birnin Kudu; Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe, FMC Okigwe; Dr. Umar Baba Musami, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Maiduguri; Dr. Mu’azu S.I, FMC Kumo; Dr. Omo Ekeneam, FMC Asaba; and Dr. Abubakar Usman, FMC Bida.
