The Anambra State Government says it remains committed to improving healthcare service delivery at the state-owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of COOUTH, Amaku, Awka, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, stated this during an inspection tour of the health facility on Saturday.
The CMD undertook the tour alongside the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.
Umeakuewulu said the hospital management had continued to maintain a clean environment through regular sanitation and vegetation control to improve patients’ comfort and reduce mosquito breeding.
She disclosed that the state government had approved medical equipment worth over N500 million to strengthen healthcare delivery since she assumed office, while accreditation processes for the hospital were also underway.
The CMD debunked a recent social media report alleging poor sanitary conditions at the hospital, inadequate equipment and potholes within the facility.
She described the report as misleading and inconsistent with the realities on the ground.
“This inspection is organised to ensure transparency and allow members of the media and the public to independently verify the state of the facility,” she said.
“It follows a viral video that alleged the hospital had deteriorated, with potholes, unhygienic wards and poor patient care.”
She said that after inspecting the hospital from the entrance through various departments, including the emergency unit and wards, no potholes or unhygienic conditions were found, contrary to the allegations contained in the viral video.
The CMD highlighted some of the reforms introduced since assuming office on March 16, including the ongoing digitalisation of hospital records, the installation of smart cards with barcode systems and the provision of Wi-Fi facilities.
She listed other reforms to include the renovation of hospital buildings and the introduction of an electronic revenue collection system to eliminate cash handling and improve accountability.
She commended the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his continued investment in the health sector, saying the administration remained committed to transforming the hospital into a centre of excellence.
Similarly, Obidike said the social media report was a malicious fabrication intended to smear a government that had prioritised and continued to improve the state’s health sector.
The social media report alleged that the health centre lacked the basic facilities and equipment required to qualify as a standard emergency response centre.
