The Acting Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Dr. Omo Ekeneam, has reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to transparency, patient engagement, and operational excellence, marking his first 100 days in office with notable progress in power supply, staff welfare, and service delivery.
Speaking with journalists in Asaba, Dr. Ekeneam, who assumed office on June 20, 2025, said his administration remains open to feedback from patients and the media as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and accountability.
“The management of FMC Asaba welcomes feedback from patients and the press on our services,” he said. “We believe such feedback helps us improve on what we do and how we do them.”
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, which fell on September 27, 2025, the Acting CMD said his leadership direction aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Four-Point Agenda, driven by the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, and the Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
“My focus from day one was to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in healthcare delivery,” he said.
“The ministry’s four-point agenda, improving governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and ensuring health security for all Nigerians, guides everything we do.”
Having previously served as CMAC (Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee) for nearly three years, Dr. Ekeneam said his deep knowledge of the hospital’s operations and challenges enabled him to act decisively from the onset.
Power and Infrastructure Interventions
Upon assumption of office, one of the most pressing challenges, according to the Acting CMD, was the hospital’s persistent power problem, which had placed enormous strain on operations and finances.
“Before I came on board, we had a serious power challenge,” he explained.
“Generators were aging, diesel costs were high, and we were unsustainably spending scarce government resources.”
To address this, FMC Asaba deployed a 60 Kilowatt solar system donated by the Federal Ministry of Health to the General Outpatient Department (GOPD), the hospital’s busiest unit, with extensions to the National Health Insurance Clinic and the Laboratory.
“Those three areas now enjoy uninterrupted power supply,” he said.
“We also procured a 10-kilowatt solar inverter for the administrative block, which powers our server and ensures that our electronic medical records function seamlessly.”
He added that the initiatives have significantly reduced diesel consumption and maintenance costs, freeing up funds for other operational needs.
Dr. Ekeneam also disclosed that the hospital is finalizing arrangements to connect to the BEDC 33KVA power line, a major project initiated by his predecessor but delayed by metering issues.
Restoring Oxygen Supply
Another milestone recorded within the first 100 days was the revival of the hospital’s oxygen plant, which had previously broken down, forcing FMC Asaba to procure oxygen from Warri twice a week, “That was a major safety risk,” he said.
“We fast-tracked the repairs using original parts from the supplier, and as we speak, our oxygen plant is up and running. We now provide oxygen not just for our hospital but for other hospitals that need to buy.”
Staff Welfare and Industrial Harmony
On staff welfare, the Acting CMD said his administration inherited issues such as non-payment of salaries to newly recruited workers and pending uniform allowances.
“When I came in, we had staff employed since January who hadn’t been paid,” he said.
“We engaged the unions, adopted an open-door policy, and assured them of management’s commitment. Through careful resource management and dialogue, we were able to avert strikes.”
Following several visits to Abuja to interface with IPPIS officials, Dr. Ekeneam confirmed that the affected staff have since started receiving their salaries.
He also announced that the hospital’s contract staff will benefit from a salary review and improved conditions of service beginning this month.
“Even though they are not direct FMC staff, they work for us, and they are our responsibility,” he stressed.
“We’ve secured a guarantee that their salaries will be reviewed upward starting this month.”
Renewed Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Ekeneam reiterated his administration’s resolve to build a resilient, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare institution through prudent resource management and strategic reforms.
“We are committed to doing more with less, saving costs, reinvesting in our systems, and ensuring our staff and patients feel the impact of good leadership,” he said.
He assured patients and the public that FMC Asaba would continue to prioritize quality healthcare delivery, staff welfare, and operational transparency in line with the reform vision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
When management is in the hands of capable , innovative and focus personality – progress is assured ! Wishing the humble and pragmatic Medical Director – Dr. OMO EKENEAM the grace to soar higher under the protective hands of the Almighty God – AMEN and AMEN.🙏