Health

LUTH: How lack of communication is hampering operational activities

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2022

News Net Global

LUTH: How lack of communication is hampering operational activities

By: James Bwala

Management is management they said, so workers often do not understand because certain communitions are kept only at the management level. However, while it should be certain communitions, there is the need for managers to make a difference and ensure needful communitions are made available to both clients and staff. In an institution like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the need to explain certain occasions both to staff and patients should be of paramount.

While investigating a case recently, NEWSng understands that patients at LUTH are worried with the cash method of payment for medical Services for example. According to the explanation, when they gets to the point of payment LUTH cashier will insist of making cash payment as against government policy of paying through electonic means.

This concern gave the inroad to contact some member of staff, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as regarding what they know. They informed that they are also worried about the new development and why LUTH will insist on paying cash to the cashier and every Tuesday, they see bullion van coming to take huge amount of money to the banks. According to them this is a security issue as carrying such huge amount may attract certain challenges and why should an institution like LUTH change the government policy of electronic payments?

In thier different concerns, they suggested that financial regulatory agencies needs to look into this novel activities in LUTH. The staff shared a story about over deduction in their salary and wanted to know if LUTH have returns all deducted funds to ippis or CBN? They also suggested the need to ask ARD executive at LUTH about the method of cash payment for service as against Federal Government directive of e-money collections.

When NEWSng attempted to get the Director of Finance at LUTH into discussing certain findings, which involves the finance activities, Mr. Tajudeen Ibrahim after a long while responded that he was not allowed to speak to the Press. That however, sounded like something is amiss. On another questions that has to do with non payment of salaries for nine months, hazard and MRFT allowances of some Residents Doctors, he suggested the Director of Administration is in position to answer that.

NEWSng in its findings learnt that for nine months, residents doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital has not been paid salaries and other allowances. According to some doctors, yet the system espects them to remain focus and work for the health of the society.

“They tell us that we are doctors, forgetting that we are also humans. The administration of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH for some reason could not justify their actions over many scary stories emanating from the hospital from maladministration to deaths mounting as a result of lack of care and the welfare of staff especially doctors which the establishment of such an Institution hangs on.

“Several Resident Doctors have left. Many are now reporting the difference between working at the home front and working in distant country where they are being treated as Angels. Recently, the number of doctors said to have been putting resignation and living the services of LUTH has been alarming. Several of them have given reasons to ill treatment by the management of the hospital.” One of the Doctors, who did not want his name in print said.

Also speaking, another doctor who resign from the services of LUTH told NEWSng that although they (doctors) are living the services of the hospital on various grounds, the crux which informed their living was imbedded in the lack of payment of the salaries in the last nine months. The doctor also mention other allowances like Hazard and MRTF, which only the management can explained. However, a note pushed on the course of this investigation may have giving an inroad to the business of withholding the doctor’s salaries when a mention of fixing the money for interest in banks becomes of concern. This is what the director of finance at LUTH should explained.

” I have pursued for my payments from Lagos to Abuja to no avail. But I have establish the facts that the federal government have paid. Only LUTH is holding it. I have gone to the extent of pleading with them to pay me even if I had to surrender some money from my own in whatever name but the story is the same.

Also Read: https://dailypost.ng/2022/09/29/2023-elections-nis-to-shut-doors-against-foreign-migrants/

“We want LUTH to pay us our money. For the past nine months I have not been paid. All efforts goes through the ears and no results coming. They wanted us to work but they are not concern about our welfare. Imagine they will tell you as a doctor to show concern and attend to patients when your own welfare is thrown to the dogs! How do you function in this kind of situation? They have forgotten that we are also humans with blood running through our veins. How do you focus as a doctor and give the best?

“Those of our colleagues who left the shores of this country are doing very well. I know a number of them who left LUTH and today they are better. That is why we are living the services at LUTH because we are not being treated well. I am not concern about housing but pay my salary and help me meet my personal needs so I can work as expected. I am dealing with people’s lives and I needed to be focus.” The doctor who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Attempts to get the CMAC, Professor Wasiu Adeyemo did not yield result. However, the Director of Administration, Mr. Babajide Grillo explained that, the issue of payment as regards the Resident Doctors who are concern is not base in LUTH.

“There are about 17 or 18 there about who left out of over 100 we employed.” Babajide Grillo explained. “The issue is not with LUTH. It started when the IPS people came and it was discovered that some of the employed already have an IPPIS number. This is just an issue of harmonization. However, you know this was being done by the office of the Accountant General and it has been shifted to the office of the Head of Service of the federation now. This will be sorted out.

“On the issue that doctors are living the services of the hospital as they would want the public to believe is not true. However, with this profession professionals like doctors are on record migrating. This is not only in LUTH. When you check out it is a general phenomenon. ” The Director Administration in LUTH said.

NEWSng also made efforts to contact the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Samuel Okerinde but he could not return calls. However, the ARD Secretary General and Vice President of the Association responded to calls. Their positions also explained the generality of happenings within the medical profession as regards reasons for migration by these skilled professionals. They also hinted on the protest at LUTH and how it was put to calm but not resolved.

LUTH: How lack of communication is hampering operational activities

Health

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

Published

7 hours ago

June 8, 2025

News Net Global

UMTH ICT Centre

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The establishment of the UMTH ICT Centre marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s distinguished career in hospital management. This center exemplifies his commitment to integrating modern technology within healthcare systems to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. This professor of interventional radiology has added to his thinking cap a digital innovation. The UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal resource for streamlining hospital processes, improving data management, and supporting clinical decision-making, thereby reinforcing Professor Ahidjo’s reputation for forward-thinking leadership.

Professor Ahidjo’s successful records in hospital administration are characterized by his ability to implement sustainable strategies that optimize resource allocation and promote technological advancement. The inauguration of the UMTH ICT Center further consolidates these achievements by providing healthcare professionals with robust tools for managing information systems effectively. This initiative aligns with contemporary trends emphasizing digitization in healthcare institutions, reflecting an understanding of the critical role that information communication technology plays in modern medical environments.

The UMTH ICT Centre stands as another testament to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s exemplary contributions to hospital management. His visionary approach not only advances institutional capabilities but also sets a benchmark for integrating ICT solutions within healthcare frameworks, ultimately enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes. His efforts not only exemplify a commitment to excellence but also inspire future leaders in the healthcare sector to embrace technological advancements as a means of driving positive change. His legacy in healthcare management continues to inspire innovation and excellence, ensuring that the UMTH remains at the forefront of medical technology integration.

Through his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, Professor Ahidjo has ensured that the UMTH continues to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery in the digital age. His leadership exemplifies the transformative impact of integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems, ensuring that UMTH not only meets current demands but is also well-prepared for future challenges. His strategic foresight in leveraging ICT not only enhances operational efficiencies but also significantly contributes to the overall improvement of patient care quality and safety. His commitment to integrating ICT solutions is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about setting a new standard for excellence in healthcare management.

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Although this does not come easily, the establishment of the ICT Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo has played a crucial role in enhancing both internal and external communication systems, managing hardware and software infrastructure, and supporting health management information systems. Prof. Ahidjo’s stewardship has been instrumental in expanding this department to include 17 dedicated staff members who ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of ICT services.

This development is not merely administrative but transformative, as it facilitates efficient healthcare delivery through improved data management and connectivity. The integration of advanced ICT tools under Prof. Ahidjo’s guidance underscores his visionary approach to modernizing UMTH’s operations. Consequently, the establishment of this center will undoubtedly remain an indelible legacy that reflects his commitment to innovation and institutional growth.

For Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the establishment of the ICT Center at UMTH represents the realization of a long-held vision to propel the institution into the future of medicine. This initiative aligns with global efforts to integrate advanced technology within healthcare systems, thereby enhancing service delivery and medical research capabilities. The ICT Center is designed to facilitate efficient data management, telemedicine, and digital diagnostics, which are critical components in meeting international health standards.

The implementation of cutting-edge information and communication technologies has further strengthened the CMD’s position as an all-rounder in both health and management. The ICT center indeed shows that Professor Ahmed Ahidjo aims to transform UMTH from a traditional health institution into a modern medical hub capable of addressing contemporary challenges. This transformation not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters collaborative opportunities with global health organizations. The development of the ICT center at UMTH underscores the commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare education and service provision, which the professor of interventional radiology has brought to play.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

Health

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria – Prof. Tahir

Published

3 months ago

March 14, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria –Prof. Tahir

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Medical Director of the ultra modern Police Hospital Damaturu Prof Bashir Tahir has said that his facility has one of the best Ophthalmology departments in North East Nigeria.

He made this declaration while speaking with this reporter in Damaturu recently.

Professor Tahir stated that having met the facility in a near comatose state, he and his team have been able to create a department of Opthalmology plus six others and set it on a very high standard ready to serve the people in the catchment area.

Tahir who spoke through his Director of Administration Mallam Hamza Saleh stated that “Our Opthalmology dept is one of the best in the North East of Nigeria and you can get a recommended glasses within an hour because of the state of arts machines in that very department in the hospital.”

Speaking on the current expansion going on in the facility the MD stated that “We have ENT and consultants coming from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH alternatively during the week to do routine consultations, ward rounds and even operations in the theatre.

“We recently spent about N10m to buy equipments in the ENT and we do hope that all the equipments will be available before the end of the year.

On the revitalization of the facility, he went on: “We actually met the three theatres in bad shape but we have been able to put them into functional use by restructuring them accordingly. For now all three are functioning including the O and G theatre where routine operations have been conducted.

“When we came on board also the hospital was not departmentalized. So we did that and opened the way for more doctors to come by creating these seven departments for them to work in an organized way.

“All the departments are functional with seven consultants who man these departments to the satisfaction of all the patients who visit the facility.

This new facility can also boast of two Eye Nose and Throat surgeons and others as the support staff to support the facility.

“We have about 100 nurses with one that is a police officer. We also have some of them with specialized techniques and that has contributed to the progress of the place.

On medical lab scientists, the MD posited that they now have six lab scientists in different areas, two pharmacists and a couple of technicians that assist them on the ground on a daily basis.

They have a solid Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with a pharmacy company in the supply of drugs which is used to stabilize the availability of drugs in the hospital.

On supply of drugs, he noted that they make sure that people served well and patient are the priority of anything that happens in the facility adding that they now have satellite pharmacies in the facility to ensure quality time is not wasted.

The MD said that it was part of their plan to get most of the major equipments before any fresh employment of any professional commences so that all hands will be on deck to ensure the best.

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria –Prof. Tahir

Health

UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.

Published

3 months ago

February 28, 2025

News Net Global

Interventional radiology centre at UMTH

UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.

By: Balami Lazarus

After the devastating flood of September 2024, UMTH counted so many losses that ran into billions of naira. Little did the public expect too soon that another gigantic medical center that is not found in other hospitals in Nigeria, but only in Maiduguri, situated and being at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital-Borno State.

The IR Centre, or Interventional Radiology Centre, in the words of the Director of the Centre, Dr. Mohammed Lawan, is a hospital within a hospital, describing the massive building equipped with the latest medical equipment as a center for carrying out radiology services, for training, and for research purposes.

The Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, Midas touch has produced and added medical value to nourish the healthcare delivery services through the new Interventional Radiology Center (IRC). “This center is another medical solution to interventional radiology treatments…. We are proud to have this as a medical facility”.

What is interventional radiology? According to Dr. Mohammed Lawan, who spoke to NEWSng. Interventional Radiology It is a medical specialty that performs various minimally invasive procedures and techniques to treat many medical conditions that once required open surgery. The use of medical imaging guidance through sophisticated and high-tech medical equipment like x-ray fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc., are some major working medical gadgets to qualify interventional radiology. Therefore, the center is meant to offer specialized medical surgery/treatment and healthcare delivery services to patients at UMTH through interventional radiology surgery.

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In furtherance of NEWSng findings, a walk into the center opens up to so many clinics and equipment that draw attention. The center is an imposing building beautifully designed with offices equipped with furniture, medical equipment, and materials of high quality. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and other working tools are used to give it a full certification to be known, called, and addressed as the Interventional Radiology Center of standard offering international best practices.

Prof. Ahidjo told NEWSng that “we are the only ones that see the inside at all times when and where there are medical radiology cases. He further said that the center will also serve as a reference point for radiologists, consultants, doctors, and medical students. “The Interventional Radiology Center is meant to make a difference in providing quality healthcare services in medicine. IRC is my new baby”. e center has male and female wards with what it takes to have in a specialized sentence like IRC of UMTH. To make it easy for those with mobility challenges, the building is designed to ease their movement within the facility. The reception area and the patient’s waiting room, as well as the recovery room, are of worth according to standards obtainable in any medical center or hospital.

When NEWng entered into the building, Dr. Mohammed Lawan was already attending to patients, and this afforded our special team to see things firsthand. This concludes that with the emergence of IRC, UMTH has finally revealed the true medical specialty of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo to so many people out there who see him like any other professor of medicine. The CMD and/or hospital administrator. “Prof. Ahidjo is a surgeon consultant and interventional radiologist, one of the best brains in this particular field of medicine, within and without,” said one radiologist.

UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.