Patients at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, may soon experience healthcare services comparable to those in leading medical institutions around the world, as the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, pushes ahead with an ambitious transformation agenda.
Dr. Umeakuewulu insists the mission goes beyond upgrading buildings to include creating a healthcare system where patients receive faster, more efficient and specialised care, supported by modern technology and well-trained medical personnel.
Speaking during an oversight visit by members of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health in Awka, the CMD disclosed that one of her administration’s most significant achievements has been the digitisation of the hospital.
Drawing from her experience at the National Hospital, Abuja, Umeakuewulu said she introduced a digital healthcare system that has already transformed patient management at COOUTH.
“As we speak now, COOUTH is 98 per cent digitised,” she said, explaining that nearly all admitted patients now have computerised medical records.
She also said a major innovation is the introduction of a Smart Card system that stores patients’ health information electronically and allows users to fund medical expenses through a wallet-like payment platform.
According to her, the system enables individuals to support the healthcare needs of their loved ones and even access medical records from abroad when necessary.
Beyond technology, the CMD said her administration is also focused on improving emergency care, adding that the hospital’s Emergency Unit is undergoing reconstruction, including the installation of oxygen piping and reticulation systems designed to meet international standards.
Despite the progress, Dr. Umeakuewulu acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, the need for establishment of a dialysis centre for kidney patients, staff shortages, welfare concerns and the need for regular promotions.
She outlined plans to establish a consultant-led private clinic for VIPs and high-net-worth patients, where services such as pharmacy, laboratory testing and medical records would be available under one roof.
The CMD said her vision for the teaching hospital rests on three pillars, namely service delivery, research and training, aimed at positioning COOUTH as a centre of medical excellence capable of attracting international partnerships and conducting cutting-edge medical research.
Members of the House Committee on Health commended her efforts and pledged support for the hospital’s development.
The Committee Chairman and member representing Aguata II Constituency, Hon. Tony Mobike, described the transformation drive as commendable and urged the CMD to submit a detailed list of the hospital’s needs for legislative consideration.
Other lawmakers who spoke during the visit, stressed the importance of engaging consultants and strengthening healthcare systems to achieve better outcomes for patients across Anambra State.
