THE Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has cleared the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) to serve as Teaching Hospital for Novena University, Ogume, Delta State.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ASH, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the clearance was given following Wednesday’s inspection and advisory for accreditation of the Faculty of Medical Sciences for Novena University in Ogume, Delta State.
Recall that the Novena University, a foremost private university in Delta State, was recently awarded accreditation for Medicine (MBBS).
The institution, in its bid to accommodate the yearnings and aspirations of youth who are unable to get education opportunities, had proposed to use the Asaba Specialist Hospital as its teaching hospital.
According to Carol V. Utulu of the News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN), the CMD, while commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the immediate past governor, Dr. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for their support in making the dream come through, said the hospital had continued to enjoy tremendous support from the state Ministry of Health.
“The Council’s visit to the specialist hospital was to ascertain the hospital’s preparedness for the commencement of medical studies for the medical students of Novena University.
“The inspection and verification process was carried out as a vital stage of accreditation to uphold the quality of medical education and training, which will ultimately benefit both the students and patients that they will serve,” Ighosewe said.
She stated that the hospital was very much interested and ready to move to the next level of practising at the level of a befitting teaching hospital after being duly certified by MDCN, adding: “The management of the hospital is positive about meeting up with their side of the agreement in providing a safe and conducive learning environment for medical students.
“The Council, at different times, visited the hospital for accreditations and they have always been satisfied with the level of manpower and medical equipment situated in the hospital.
“MDCN has been to ASH several times for other accreditations and we have never failed any.
“In the past, the hospital has been involved in the training of residents of several faculties and also intern doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
“I am hopeful that we will keep living up to expectations and do better, as we go along.”
Chairman, Clinical Services and Training and Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Daniel Isoje, said the new development of accreditation was a great feat for members of the ASH community and the visionary leadership of the CMD, who always strives for new grounds.
He noted: “This is a dream come true, as it has always been her desire to take the hospital from being a specialist hospital to a teaching hospital.”
Isoje added that before now, the hospital had been accredited for postgraduate training in paediatrics, family medicine and obstetrics/gynaecology, adding that the management was looking at getting accreditation for medical laboratory scientists and radiology department.
“The collaboration with Novena University to train medical students is not an easy task and it is setting the foundation for future medical practitioners, which comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor of Novena University, Prof. Godwin Nduka, stated that the Asaba Specialist Hospital was chosen due to its accomplishments and expressed satisfaction with the accreditation of ASH for use as a teaching hospital for the medical students of Novena University.
He noted that the hospital was strategically located to serve the medical needs of people in Delta and other neighbouring states, adding: “We are satisfied with our partnership with the hospital, because we have seen that they are ready to work.”
