The Federal Government has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its investment in healthcare infrastructure at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), while calling on the hospital’s management to ensure the facilities are properly maintained and effectively utilised.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, who represented the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the call during a ceremony held at UMTH.

The event combined several activities, including the commissioning of projects, the opening of a conference, a book launch, an inaugural lecture and a send-off ceremony for the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo.

Kachollom said the continued development of UMTH remains important to Nigeria’s healthcare system because of the hospital’s strategic responsibilities in specialised clinical services, medical education, postgraduate training, research, professional development and innovation, particularly across the North-east.

She noted that the fertility clinic constructed by the NEDC should be regarded as more than a completed physical facility, describing it as an investment in strengthening Nigeria’s broader healthcare system.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that the real value of a healthcare facility depends on the quality of services delivered through it. She therefore highlighted the need for adequate equipment, qualified healthcare personnel, regular maintenance and effective utilisation of the facilities.

Kachollom also drew attention to the expanding role of radiology in contemporary healthcare, citing developments in ultrasound, CT, MRI, interventional radiology, digital imaging and artificial intelligence.

She commended the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria for creating opportunities for scientific exchange and professional development. She urged participants at the conference to convert knowledge generated through the gathering into research partnerships, practical innovations and policies that could improve diagnostic services nationwide.

The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of research, innovation and human capital development to the strengthening of Nigeria’s health system.

She said the country must sustain efforts to train competent, ethical and innovative doctors, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, researchers and other healthcare professionals.

Kachollom further congratulated the first cohort of medical ICT students undergoing training at UMTH. She described the programme as an innovative blend of medical knowledge and information and communication technology skills.

She also recognised the contributions of the outgoing Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, commending his leadership, professionalism and mentorship, as well as his role in advancing UMTH and the radiology profession in Nigeria.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, who also spoke at the occasion, praised the Federal Government and NEDC for their continued interventions in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening across the state.

Zulum described UMTH as a critical institution for Borno State, pointing out that the teaching hospital had continued to deliver essential specialist services and train medical professionals despite the most difficult years of insecurity.

The governor also praised Professor Ahidjo’s leadership at the institution, citing his contributions to infrastructure development, specialist healthcare services, medical training, research and professional development.

According to Zulum, the range of activities organised to mark the occasion underscored the role of knowledge, research and continuous professional development in improving healthcare delivery.

Source: Voice of Nigeria (VON)