The federal government has vowed to help train staff in teaching hospitals and other tertiary health institutions to address rising issues in healthcare delivery.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the pledge while receiving the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, on Wednesday at the presidential palace in Abuja.
He stated that better healthcare service is a primary goal in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mr Shettima praised the institution’s present management “for the giant strides recorded over the years.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting human capacity development in hospitals around the country.
He said, “Training is essential; we will explore all available windows to support the Maiduguri teaching hospital and other teaching hospitals in the country in the training of their personnel. We will see how our partnership with the private sector can be helpful in this regard.
“I want to commend the CMD and his team for providing quality leadership to the hospital and all of their subordinates. There have been remarkable improvements at the hospital since his assumption of duty. In terms of staff morale, capacity building and the general outlook of the teaching hospital, the improvements have been massive.
“The expansion of the hospital from a 600-bed to a 1305-bed facility and equipped with modern facilities, the CMD has been proactive in all that he does, including sourcing for external funding.”
Earlier, Mr Ahidjo said the visit was to thank the vice-president for the support to the institution and to present the scorecard of the hospital, as well as future plans.
The CMD stated that, thanks to the government and other stakeholders, the hospital is now outfitted with cutting-edge equipment.
He stated that, in addition to developing new centres for trauma, dialysis, cancer, and stroke care, the hospital employs 100 professors in various fields.
He did, however, urge additional assistance to enable the university to achieve its goals of being an international centre of excellence in healthcare service.
Other members of the delegation include the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Sanusi Ibrahim, Director of Administration, Malam Idris Omar and the Director of Clinical Services, Prof. Modu Kagu.