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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
In recognition of his resolve to make the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi a center of excellence in tertiary health services delivery and visible action to relocate the health institution to its permanent site, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nnewi zone, has honoured the Chief Medical Director, Associate Prof Joseph Ugboaja as the Physician of the year to mark its 2023 Physician’s Week.
The NMA gave Ugboaja a mark of distinction as the first among equals in hospital administration. The association demonstrated this in huge commendations on the CMD for a job well done in a space of two years he has been at the helm of affairs in NAUTH.
The theme of this year’s event was “medical health practice in a poor resource setting (role of government and NMA in tackling quackery practices) with measures of curbing brain drain of doctors in Nigeria as its sub-head”.
The association recognized the presence of cream of personalities including the Hon Commissioner for Health Anambra State, Dr Afam Obidike; NMA President, Dr Rowland Ojinmah; NMA, Anambra State Chairman, Dr Jane Ezeonu; NMA Chairman, Nnewi zone, Dr Nwagbara Chukwudi; Provost College of Health Sciences, Prof Gerald Udigwe; Dean of Medicine, Prof Obi Nwosu who was Chairman on the occasion; past zonal Chairmen and medical elders, though one or two of them were in representative capacity.
In his remarks, the Nnewi NMA zonal Chairman, Dr Nwagbara said the theme depicted an endemic problem in Nigeria while the sub-theme was an epidemic which he argued some might also describe as endemic.
He noted that the speakers, Dr Obidike for the main theme and Dr Umeonunihu Osita for the sub-head were well selected to do justice to the themes.
Dr Nwagbara disclosed that it is the tradition of the association in its annual physician’s week to give an award to a distinguished member which he said the Associate Prof Ugboaja was chosen for, in recognition of his leadership qualities and giant stride to make NAUTH one of the best in West Africa sub-region.
“As we all know, as our tradition, today’s event witnesses the crowning of our 2023 Physician of the year award and this person is not just a person, he is a people.
“Some say if he were a boxer, we would call him Floyd Mayweather. If he were a footballer, we would call him Lionel Christiano Rolnaldo Messi. I think his leadership style should be a research work. Today we crown a resourceful leader, a visionary, Mr no mission is impossible, a tireless servant, an action speaker, an excellent performer, the DNA of leadership and our very own Ochinawnata a.k.a Kachisiemeamaka (traditional titles depicting excellence) in the person of Asso Prof Joseph Ugboaja (OON).
“Sir you have demystified leadership, belittled the perceived longstanding notion of incapability, hand-cuffed mediocrity, partnered with challenges and yet buried excuses to awaken the spirits of hope and goodwill by resuscitating and discharging achievements from the ICU at zero cost on your subordinates.
“What you have done in a little time will outlive all generations and we simply wish to encourage you and say we are proud of you, Sir, jide ka iji (ride on), “the association said.
Asso Prof Ugboaja, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist by training is described as an administrator par excellence, a visionary leader with a high sense of commitment.
Responding, the CMD said he appreciated the award he received from the NMA and reaffirmed his preparedness to fulfill his promise to bring NAUTH to the top of the chart of teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.
He told the NMA to feel free to highlight their challenges which he promised would not be left without attention. He said that the hospital must support the NMA in its projects.
He noted that the issue of brain drain had been a major existential threat to the health sector in Nigeria. He said something would be done about it as he was part of the committee to look into the issue of brain drain.
