FG CHARGES CMDs, MDs ON ACCOUNTABILITY, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, ALIGNMENT WITH HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS

FG CHARGES CMDs, MDs ON ACCOUNTABILITY, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, ALIGNMENT WITH HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS

Uburu, Ebonyi State | 23 June 2026 – The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, has charged Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to strengthen accountability, enhance emergency preparedness, and sustain alignment with the Federal Government’s health sector reform agenda.

The Permanent Secretary gave the charge while addressing the opening session of the 114th Regular Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors held in Uburu, Ebonyi State. In her address, Daju emphasised the need for hospital leadership to uphold sound governance, prudent administration, and strict adherence to extant policies and procedures.

She urged institutions to strengthen measures to avoid litigation through compliance with professional and regulatory standards, while maintaining a high level of preparedness against public health threats, including Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). She reassured participants that Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola, stressing that the country’s preparedness measures are precautionary and aimed at protecting public health. She also called for improved accountability in reporting services provided, particularly as emergency preparedness interventions continue to expand nationwide.

She also underscored the importance of timely annual audits and the effective administration of Medical Residency Training (MRT) programmes, directing Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors to promptly report the completion of residency training by resident doctors to support accurate workforce planning, accountability, and efficient management of specialist human resources.

Highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery, the Permanent Secretary informed participants that arrangements have been concluded for the establishment of six new multi-specialist centres in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom. She further announced the planned distribution of the 79 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ambulances procured by the Federal Government to strengthen emergency medical services across the country.

The Permanent Secretary reminded participants that Federal Tertiary Health Institutions operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and urged them to remain fully aligned with the Ministry’s reform agenda and established procedures in delivering quality, people-centred healthcare.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, commended the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. He also appealed for sustained support in addressing budgetary challenges facing Federal Tertiary Health Institutions.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to working collaboratively with Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, build a resilient health workforce, and advance the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s health sector.