By Chisom Okafor
The management team of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), led by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Uche Maureen Umeakuewulu, on May 7, paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Ezeka Augustine Uwaeme, at the Agency’s office in Awka.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Umeakuewulu congratulated Dr. Ezeka on his appointment and commended the cordial working relationship existing between COOUTH and ASHIA, noting that the partnership has continued to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the state.
“We came to congratulate you on your appointment and also appreciate the healthy collaboration that has existed between COOUTH and ASHIA over the years. This partnership has contributed immensely to quality healthcare delivery in Anambra State,” she said.
The CMD highlighted some operational challenges faced by the hospital, especially the issue of delayed referrals from some primary healthcare facilities to tertiary institutions.
“Some patients are referred to us very late when their conditions have already deteriorated. This is not healthy for the patients and in some cases leads to avoidable loss of lives. There is need for prompt referrals and stronger synergy among healthcare providers,” Dr. Umeakuewulu said.
She further disclosed that the hospital management is constructing additional structures within the hospital premises to adequately accommodate medical consultants and improve service delivery.
According to her, plans are also underway to fully digitalize the hospital’s operations in line with global best practices.
“We are working towards complete digitalization of the hospital. This will improve efficiency, documentation, patient management, and overall healthcare delivery,” she added.
Responding, Dr. Ezeka Augustine appreciated the CMD and the management team for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of commitment and dedication towards strengthening the healthcare sector in the state.
“Your visit today shows commitment, collaboration, and dedication to duty. We appreciate COOUTH for sustaining a good working relationship with ASHIA and for your continuous efforts towards quality healthcare delivery,” Dr. Ezeka said.
Addressing the issue of delayed referrals, the ASHIA Executive Secretary assured that necessary measures would be taken to caution facilities found wanting.
“We take the concerns raised seriously and necessary actions will be taken. Healthcare facilities must understand the importance of timely referrals because patients’ lives are involved,” he said.
Dr. Ezeka reaffirmed ASHIA’s commitment to sustaining productive partnerships with healthcare institutions across the state towards achieving accessible and affordable healthcare for Ndi Anambra.
Also speaking during the meeting, Dr. Afam Anameje appreciated ASHIA for maintaining a good working partnership with COOUTH and expressed optimism for a stronger and more sustainable relationship in the future.
Those present at the meeting were Dr. Ifeoma Njelita, Henrietta Agbai, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie, Mr. Wilson Ezeilo, and Uju Ejiofor, among other officials from both institutions.
Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
