Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on medical administrators across Nigeria to intensify efforts toward professional excellence and continuous capacity development in order to restore public confidence in the nation’s healthcare system.
The governor made the call while receiving members of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria during a courtesy visit to the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, Governor Nwifuru stressed the importance of regular training and retraining of healthcare professionals, noting that sustained capacity building is essential to complement the huge investments government has made in health infrastructure.
He described Nigerian doctors as among the most talented medical professionals globally and emphasized the need for institutional support, modern medical equipment, and conducive working environments to enable them deliver quality healthcare services.
“Nigerian medical doctors are globally recognized as some of the best brains in the world. What they need is continuous institutional support, cutting-edge equipment, and the right working environment—all of which our administration is aggressively prioritizing,” he said.
The governor highlighted several achievements of his administration in the health sector under the People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
According to him, the government has embarked on the mass recruitment of medical doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory scientists, while also upgrading and equipping general hospitals across the state.
He further listed the construction of modern staff quarters within hospital premises to ensure round-the-clock clinical services, improved welfare packages for health workers, the provision of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to medical doctors, and a significant upward review of professional allowances as part of measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
Governor Nwifuru also commended the efforts of the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, through her Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO), noting that the initiative has contributed significantly to reducing maternal and child mortality while expanding access to healthcare services in rural communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee and Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Abuja, Saad Ahmed, said the delegation was in Ebonyi State for its 114th Regular Meeting.
Prof. Ahmed commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as transformative investments in the health sector and for his support to federal health institutions operating within the state.
He also urged Nigerians to reduce dependence on foreign medical treatment, stating that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invested heavily in modern medical equipment and highly skilled manpower capable of handling complex healthcare challenges within the country.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Grace Umezurike; the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma; members of the State Executive Council; and Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors from federal tertiary health institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The visit formed part of activities marking the committee’s 114th regular meeting hosted in Ebonyi State.
