Medical and Dental Consultants, Delta HMB Chapter elect New Exco

A new executive to run the affairs of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, Hospital Management Board, HMB, Delta State Chapter, for the next two years has emerged.

MDCAN at its well attended Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Asaba, the state capital, elected Dr. Philemon Okolie, a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon as Chairman, while Dr. Onoriode Umolo, a Consultant Ophthalmologist is to serve as Secretary.

Others in the new Exco of the association, include Dr. Obiajulu Uwaka, a Consultant Family Physician, Vice Chairman, Dr. Ndidi Okoro, a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Assistant Secretary, Dr. Grace Eseka, a Consultant Pediatrician, Treasurer, Dr. Valentine Ezeashi, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Public Relations Officer and Dr. Francis Nwabua, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Ex-Officio 1.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman MDCAN, Delta State HMB chapter, Dr. Philemon Okolie, on behalf of the new executive appreciated their colleagues for the confidence reposed on them and assured a new dawn in the association.

He said “No doubt, a new chapter in the history of MDCAN HMB Delta State has just been opened. The task of strengthening the association lies in the hands of all of us. I therefore call on every member to join hands together towards building a much more virile association of our dream.

Dr Okolie reminded members of the aims and objectives of MDCAN as enshrined in the Constitution of the association, saying “as we move on together in the next two years of this new leadership, we shall be guided by these aim and objectives, with Delta State and the coverage of the State Hospitals Management Board as our central focus.

The Chairman promised that the new exco shall see to the promotion of welfare of members at all times, even as he appealed for ideas that would promote efficiency and positive vibes in the association.

“Let me sincerely appreciate the immediate past executive led by Dr. Francis Nwabua for all the novel innovations and achievements within the past two years. It is pertinent to inform that this new executive has decided to sustain and improve on the laudable programmes of the past Exco, implement plans that were not achieved, while initiating other new ones which shall be unveiled in due course. In all these, we shall continue to count on your meaningful inputs”, Dr Okolie emphasized.

The immediate past Chairman of MDCAN, Dr Francis Nwabua had earlier in his address, said it has been two years of hard work, dedication and perseverance for all in the health sector especially with the heightened brain drain and the current economic downturn that has made their jobs more difficult even with poor remuneration as medical workers.

Dr Nwabua who highlighted achievements of his led executive, encouraged the new exco to be up and doing to achieving more for the association.

He thanked members of the past executive for their support and outstanding commitment to duties, stating that the achievements were made possible by the staunch support of his Exco and members.

Dr Nwabua disclosed that ahead of the General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the Association held on the 28th of July 2023, the Association held a four-day free medical outreach at General Hospital, Okwe where free medical consultations and surgeries in various specialties were carried on those with several health needs in the society from the 24th to the 27th of July, 2023.

The biennial general meeting and scientific conference, chaired by a retired Permanent Secretary in the State, Dr. (Mrs.) Caroline Ajuyah, had as its theme “Specialist Medical Practice in Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions.

The key note lecture of the conference theme was delivered by Professor Stanley Ukadike Okugbo, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.

While the sub-theme “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Medical Practice in Nigeria”, was delivered by Professor Kenneth Stanley Eze, Consultant Radiologist, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State.

The Permanent Secretary and Director of Hospital Services, HMB, Delta State, Dr. Paul Okubor, was the Chief Host at the event, which also featured panel discussions in the health sector and governance as well as other goodwill messages, including that of the National President of MDCAN, Dr. Victor Makanjuola.

Besides the installation of new executive at the dinner put together to celebrate as the highpoint of the general meeting and scientific conference, recent retirees members of the association were also honored.