By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
Concerned by rising pressures in the healthcare system and the urgent need to safeguard patient lives, the Head of Service (HoS) of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has called on medical and dental consultants to take decisive leadership roles in strengthening patient safety across the state.
Dr. Oseji made the call while hosting the 2nd Quarter Ordinary General Meeting of the Hospital Management Board chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in Asaba.
She commended the consultants for their strong support during her swearing-in in April last year, noting that such goodwill has continued to inspire her leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, the HoS stated that her undergraduate and postgraduate medical training, alongside several professional courses and a firm commitment to integrity, prepared her for leadership responsibilities, including her current role. She urged the consultants to demonstrate exemplary leadership that would inspire not only medical doctors but the entire health workforce in the state.
As part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce workplace tension, Dr. Oseji advocated the establishment of government-owned nursing homes, pharmaceutical manufacturing units, and fitness centres. She explained that such initiatives would ease the burden on hospitals and minimise inter-professional rivalry that could negatively impact patient care, while still upholding the leadership role of medical doctors in hospital settings.
The Head of Service also appealed to Medical Directors across the state to prioritise staff sensitisation on proper doctor-patient relationships. She further urged heads of health institutions to develop comprehensive orientation handbooks for house officers and other interns, with particular emphasis on infection prevention and control, management of needle-stick injuries, and appropriate response to accidental splashes on mucous membranes.
“This will go a long way in protecting these young professionals from nosocomial infections such as Lassa fever, which could prove fatal before their careers fully take off,” she said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Valentine Eziashi, expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for hosting the meeting and for her inspiring leadership, noting that her impact continues to motivate members.
Highlights of the meeting included the presentation of special packages to Dr. Valentine Eziashi and the first five consultants to arrive at the venue: Dr. E. Uwaka, Dr. L. Afinotan, Dr. V. Onwardi, Dr. G. Edu, and Dr. C. Vhriterhire.