… Vows to strengthen training, research mandate

… We’re building an institution that must stand test of time – CMD

The Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTA), Akure, has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional growth, improved healthcare delivery, and staff welfare, as well as quality medical services for the people of Ondo State and the country at large.

The institution disclosed this while marking the first anniversary of the federal government’s takeover of the Akure Annex of the health facility.

According to the hospital’s management, the teaching hospital has recorded a modicum of progress despite the challenges associated with establishing and transitioning to a new federal institution.

While reflecting on the journey so far, the management in a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, noted that FUTATH has come to stay, with the federal government’s recognition representing the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration and providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth, institutional stability, and improved healthcare delivery.

Ojo noted that management has strengthened the hospital’s specialist medical services by bringing in specialists and consultants across various medical disciplines, expanding specialist coverage and making a wider range of medical expertise available to patients across different fields of healthcare.

“We, at the Futa Teaching Hospital, Akure, are today marking the first anniversary of the Federal Government‘s takeover of the Akure Annex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and are reaffirming our commitment to institutional growth, improved healthcare delivery, staff welfare, and good quality medical services for the Ondo State capital and the country at large,” the CMD stated.

Ojo noted that the transition had not been without challenges, particularly concerning the process of absorption and documentation of some staff members, and expressed empathy with affected employees, especially those yet to receive their salaries and those yet to be fully captured in the relevant federal establishment and payment systems.

“We are fully cognizant of the difficulties that our affected staff members are experiencing, and we do not take their concerns lightly. We feel their pain, appreciate their patience, and recognize the sacrifices they continue to make during this transition. While we may not be able to resolve every concern immediately, we remain hopeful that the present difficulties will give way to better days,” he said.

The management explained that the transition from a state-supported facility to a federal teaching hospital involves administrative adjustments, the establishment of appropriate institutional structures, and the alignment of operations with federal standards and procedures, urging everyone to appreciate the importance of building a strong institution capable of serving Akure, Ondo State, neighboring communities, and the wider population.

“The task before us is bigger than the challenges of today. We are building an institution that must stand the test of time, provide good-quality healthcare, support the training of future medical professionals, advance research, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“We would therefore appeal for patience, understanding, and cooperation from our staff and the public. The structures we are putting in place are intended to create a stronger hospital that will serve the best interests of our staff, patients, communities, and the nation.”

The management said it remains committed to deploying available resources judiciously and establishing sustainable structures to strengthen operations, improve patient experience, enhance staff productivity, and fulfill its mandate in specialized healthcare, medical education, research, and innovation, expressing optimism that the federal government’s support has provided a stronger foundation for institutional development.