FG tasks medical directors on patient care, industrial harmony in hospitals

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritise quality patient care and prevent labour disputes that could disrupt healthcare delivery.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.

Speaking in Abuja while presenting appointment letters to six Medical Directors, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, urged the appointees to align their leadership with government policies and ensure effective service delivery.

He emphasised the need for stable industrial relations in hospitals, encouraging the directors to maintain open communication with health workers and unions to resolve issues before they escalate.

Salako also warned against denying patients access to care, stressing that such practices would not be tolerated under any circumstance.

To strengthen service quality, he revealed that the ministry has set up a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, directing the new heads to establish similar frameworks in their respective institutions to improve accountability and patient feedback.

Addressing workforce shortages, the minister called on the directors to utilise the Federal Government’s fast-track recruitment waiver to fill critical gaps, noting that some hospital leaders have been slow in taking advantage of the opportunity.

He further urged those reappointed for a second term to raise their performance, while advising new appointees to justify the confidence placed in them by President Bola Tinubu.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Kamil Shoretire, said noticeable gaps still exist in the health sector and called for improved outcomes and stronger commitment to citizens’ well-being.

Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Evinly Nzeribe pledged to advance government reforms and strengthen healthcare delivery, while Adamu Atterwharmie, speaking for those reappointed, assured continued adherence to government policies.

The newly appointed Medical Directors include Atterwharmie (FMC Birnin Kudu, second term), Nzeribe (FMC Okigwe), Umar Musami (FNPH Maiduguri), Mu’azu S.I (FMC Kumo), Omo Ekeneam (FMC Asaba), and Abubakar Usman (FMC Bida, second term).