The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has set a target of becoming one of the 10 leading teaching hospitals in Nigeria, with its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, calling for continuity and unity to sustain the institution’s growth beyond his tenure.

Ikpeme stated this at the second stakeholders’ retreat of the hospital, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he reviewed the institution’s progress since 2019 and presented its strategic direction for the future.

He said the ambition could only be achieved through a workforce united by a common purpose, urging medical professionals and other staff to see themselves as members of one UCTH family rather than operating in divided groups.

The CMD, whose tenure is expected to end in about seven months, said he was determined to leave behind systems and structures that would enable the hospital to continue growing and expanding after his administration.

He said the objective was to build an institution whose progress would not be tied to the tenure of any individual, but sustained through effective systems, professionalism and collective commitment.

Among the developments recorded by the hospital are a 10-bed Level 3 Intensive Care Unit, expanded specialist services, including laparoscopic gynaecological and spine surgeries, and upgrades in diagnostic and digital health services.

The hospital has also introduced CT scan, digital mammography and digital radiography services, alongside a Digital Health Information Management System as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

The management is also completing a 56-suite House Officers’ Residence, a project which commenced in 1989 and had remained unfinished before work resumed under the current administration.

However, Ikpeme acknowledged the financial challenges facing the institution, including an inherited debt burden of about N1.7 billion and rising operational costs.

He said the progress recorded by the hospital should be viewed against those challenges, stressing the need for continued commitment and prudent management to sustain the gains.

The three-day retreat, held from August 13 to 15 at Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, brought together members of the hospital’s management, staff and other stakeholders to deliberate on leadership, institutional development and the future of UCTH.

Resource persons included Prof. Bassey Esu of the University of Calabar and the Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Emem Abasi, who spoke on leadership, institutional growth and healthcare development.

The retreat was the second organised by UCTH and the first to be held outside Calabar.