COOUTH Seeks Adazi Ani Monarch’s Support for Health Trust Fund, Hospital Development

By Uche Eke

The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, has appealed to the traditional ruler of Adazi Ani Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr Benson Chinedu Madubuko, OFR, Igwe Chinechendo I, to partner with the hospital in strengthening healthcare delivery through the proposed establishment of a royal health trust fund.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, who led members of the management team to the monarch’s palace.

The visit was also an opportunity to congratulate the traditional ruler on his ascension to the throne and formally inform him of the appointment of his daughter, Dr Umeakuewulu, by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Umeakuewulu expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo for the confidence reposed in her and his continued support towards repositioning the teaching hospital.

She said the appointment was a significant recognition of Adazi Ani Kingdom, noting that the governor brought her from Abuja to take up the leadership position.

“We are here to let you know that the governor found one of your daughters worthy of occupying the position of CMD of COOUTH. He brought me all the way from Abuja, and since my appointment, he has continued to support me in repositioning the hospital,” she said.

The CMD disclosed that the state government had constructed a trauma centre at the hospital, which she described as the only one of its kind in Southern Nigeria. She also revealed that Governor Soludo had approved ₦500 million for infrastructure development at the facility.

Seeking the monarch’s support, Dr Umeakuewulu proposed the establishment of the Chinechendo I of Adazi Ani Kingdom Health Trust Fund to mobilise resources and support the hospital’s development.

“We need your partnership to move the hospital forward. We need assistance to make Amaku the best, where patients can come in and find all the medical services and facilities they need,” she appealed.

She stressed that collaboration between the hospital, traditional institutions and well-meaning individuals would help improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to serve the people.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Chima Christian Ibeneme, described Dr Umeakuewulu’s appointment as a source of pride to Adazi Ani Kingdom.

He noted that the community had produced the first female Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, describing the development as an important milestone for the kingdom.

In his response, Igwe Dr Benson Chinedu Madubuko expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo for recognising and appointing one of his subjects to lead the state-owned teaching hospital.

The monarch congratulated Dr Umeakuewulu and prayed for a successful tenure, urging her to justify the confidence placed in her by the governor and the people of Anambra State.

“We are happy that our daughter has been appointed the CMD of COOUTH. We are praying that, by the grace of God, she will not disappoint us, the governor and the people of Anambra State,” he said.

Igwe Madubuko assured the hospital’s management that he would carefully examine the proposals presented to him and identify areas where the kingdom could contribute meaningfully to the hospital’s development.

“We will study the documents and visit the hospital. Certainly, we will do something,” the monarch assured.

The proposed Chinechendo I Health Trust Fund is expected to provide a platform for community partnership and support towards improving healthcare infrastructure, medical services and patient care at COOUTH, Amaku, Awka.