Idowu Abdullahi
The Heartland Hospital Management Corporation has met with several stakeholders and key health agencies in Imo State to deepen collaboration and fast-track Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision for efficient, affordable, and world-class healthcare.
The meeting, hosted at HHMC headquarters on Tuesday in Owerri, included leaders from the Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Owerri, and Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, alongside senior HHMC executives.
The HHMC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri, stated that the meeting focused on several key areas, including the elimination of silos.
Others, he said, included boosting synergy and aligning efforts with ongoing reforms, including facility reconstructions, equipment upgrades, improved service delivery, and the planned Robotic Surgical Centre.
Ogueri described the HHMC as a flagship initiative of Uzodimma, which was created by restructuring the former Hospital Management Board to modernize hospital administration, enhance efficiency, and coordinate clinical services statewide.
“We are a team of professionals assembled to realize the lofty vision of the Governor in healthcare. The transformation going on across sectors is also evident in healthcare, and we must sustain the momentum through collective effort,” Ogueri was quoted as saying in a statement made available to PUNCH Healthwise on Wednesday, the HHMC Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Chibuike Onyeukwu.
He highlighted HHMC’s mandate to harness expertise for reforms, better service quality, affordability, and restored public trust via coordination and innovation.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Medical Director of Imo State Specialist Hospital, Owerri, Dr. Chima Oparaji, praised the progress under HHMC, citing reconstruction works and the upcoming Robotic Surgical Centre as signs of change.
He acknowledged past neglect but expressed optimism about the governor’s vision for lasting impact through closer collaboration.
The Executive Secretary of IMPHCDA, Dr. Kosisochukwu Ekenjoku, called for regular interfaces between primary healthcare and HHMC to advance integration and the administration’s goals.
Representing the IMSUTH Orlu CMD, Dr. Ben Bernard, who is the Director of Administration, commended the governor’s revitalization efforts and HHMC’s management, especially Orlu’s reconstruction and upgrades.
He urged policy continuity beyond the current administration to prevent past inconsistencies that led to sector decline.
While speaking, the HHMC Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Alex Nwogu, while thanking the participants, announced that the Central Drug Store would become operational before the month’s end to improve drug supply and efficiency.
Other HHMC attendees included: Dr. Chibuike Onyeukwu (Executive Director, Corporate Affairs), Mr. Emeka Ekwelem (Executive Director, Operations), Dr. Andrew Ezimefula (Director of Hospital Services), Dr. Emeka Udeariri (Public Relations Officer), and departmental directors.
Participants lauded Uzodimma’s commitment and resolved to hold more frequent engagements, while reaffirming the need for an efficient healthcare system in Imo.
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