Dr Jideuma Ikenna Egwim has been confirmed as the substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, after president Bola Tinubu approved the appointment.
The appointment, will see Egwim take charge of the running of FUTH Owerri, formerly known as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, which has now relocated to Okigwe following the conversion of the old site to accommodate medical students at Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.
Egwim’s appointment which takes immediate effect, reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to entrust key public health institutions to seasoned professionals with proven capacity and experience.
DrumAfricanews reports that Egwim, an Imolite and an indigene of Obazu Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the State,is a highly experienced physician with over 20 years of medical practice.
His background and familiarity with the South East region are expected to enhance the hospital’s responsiveness to local healthcare needs while advancing service delivery standards.
Egwum of the years, has demonstrated strong leadership within the medical community, notably serving as Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State chapter between 2006 and 2008.
As gathered, his tenure was marked by advocacy for improved welfare of medical practitioners and strengthened healthcare delivery systems.
He is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and has also distinguished himself academically and professionally, earning recognition including the Provost Award from the University of Ibadan Medical School.
Egwim’s academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Clinical Research from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology from Walden University in the United States.
The new CMD equally undergone specialized training in palliative care across reputable institutions in Africa and the United States.
Egwim within the hospital settings has held several strategic positions, including Head of the Department of Family Medicine, Head of the NHIA Unit, and pioneer Head of the Palliative Care Unit, reflecting his administrative competence and commitment to healthcare advancement.
He has contributed significantly to professional bodies beyond the institution, including leadership roles within the Nigerian Medical Association and the Society of Family Physicians, as well as participation at the Faculty Board level of the National Postgraduate Medical College.
Expectations are high that he will deploy his wealth of experience to reposition the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, addressing critical challenges such as infrastructure gaps, specialized healthcare delivery, and efficient management systems.
Stakeholders and Imolites in general are optimistic that his leadership will usher in patient-focused reforms, improved workforce morale, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the hospital’s role in Nigeria’s evolving healthcare landscape.
