Reasons behind the delay in converting Nigeria’s oldest Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia, into a teaching hospital have been clarified by its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi. According to Onyebuchi, the primary obstacle is the lack of a federal university in the state offering medical sciences.
During a recent Thanksgiving event and facility tour, he expressed his disappointment over the centre’s status, stating, “FMC Umuahia is the oldest Federal Medical Centre in Nigeria, and it is a shame that we are not a teaching hospital yet.”
Onyebuchi urged political leaders in Abia State to unite in advocating for the establishment of a conventional university that provides medical education. He assured that once a College of Medicine is initiated in the area, FMC Umuahia would transition into a teaching hospital. “We are developing infrastructure in anticipation of this important change,” he added.
While Abia State has universities that provide medical training, they are either private or state-owned and not sufficient for transforming the centre into a teaching hospital.
On the tour, Onyebuchi showcased various new facilities, including an upgraded Accident and Emergency ward, a Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory Complex, and a state-of-the-art theater complex. These enhancements are part of a broader plan scheduled for completion between January and March 2025, aligning with the performance benchmarks set by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The CMD highlighted an improvement in funding for tertiary hospitals but noted that financial resources received so far have not met all his targets. He emphasized the importance of managing available funds effectively.
Onyebuchi also addressed staffing challenges caused by the ‘Japa’ syndrome, confirming that the Federal Government is facilitating the replacement of personnel who have left.
During the Thanksgiving celebration, he reassured staff of his commitment to elevating FMC Umuahia to an international standard and prioritizing staff welfare. He mentioned successful budget allocation increases and timely promotions for employees.
Bishop Chibuzor Raphael Opoko, during the event, urged staff to maintain respect for one another and focus on teamwork, encouraging those seeking advancement to be patient and hard-working.
The facility tour included union leaders from various health professions, demonstrating a unified approach to advancing the objectives of FMC Umuahia.
