By Douglas Princemola
On October 16, 2024, a group of distinguished journalists from various media organizations visited the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Owerri, previously known as the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Imo State. This tour provided an in-depth look at the significant improvements and advancements achieved under the guidance of Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Kingsley Achigbu.
Led by Mr. Ikechukwu Anyaegbu from the hospital’s Public Relations Unit, the media team explored multiple sections of FTH, revealing the broad spectrum of specialized healthcare services available. The itinerary included visits to essential areas like the pediatric department, diagnostic services, and a state-of-the-art MRI center. The journalists also observed the ongoing construction of a trauma center, set to be among the largest in southeastern Nigeria, equipped with helipads for quick emergency response.
The tour underscored the hospital’s robust infrastructure, showcasing facilities like the research unit, a liquefied oxygen production plant, and a 33 KVA transformer that provides stable power through direct connection to the national grid. The journalists also learned about essential departments such as the medical oxygen plant, a specialized eye care complex, and dedicated units for ENT, dental, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery, including modern neuro-theater and intensive care units.
One of the notable stops was the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) department, which has shown significant success since its inception a year ago. Dr. Onyegbule Onyema, the IVF department’s Project Director and lead specialist, shared his pride in the unit’s achievements, noting a 20% success rate in IVF treatments. He emphasized the team’s commitment to enhancing fertility outcomes, advising that reducing alcohol consumption could positively impact male fertility.
During a session with the media after the tour, CMD Dr. Kingsley Achigbu expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s growth in both services and infrastructure. Reflecting on his personal journey, he discussed rising through the ranks of the institution, competing against experts both domestically and abroad, which provided him with valuable insight into the hospital’s specific challenges. Dr. Achigbu reiterated his dedication to tackling these obstacles and continually improving patient care.
Dr. Achigbu conveyed his appreciation to the residents of Owerri and the wider Imo State for their continued support, acknowledging their essential role in creating a supportive environment for quality healthcare. He recounted the hospital’s evolution from a modest colonial health center to a modern teaching facility, attributing this transformation to the unwavering contributions of the local community and stakeholders.
Furthermore, Dr. Achigbu encouraged influential members of the Imo State community to invest in public-private partnerships and participate in initiatives like “Friends of FTH,” aimed at fostering collaboration and pooling resources to further develop the hospital.
In his final comments, Dr. Achigbu reassured the media of his ongoing commitment to maintaining excellent standards of healthcare at FTH. He urged the press to practice responsible journalism, emphasizing the need for thorough and accurate reporting over sensationalism, and highlighted the media’s critical role in building trust and transparency within the healthcare sector.
