There has been widespread celebration in Imo State’s health sector following the approval of the appointment of Dr. Jideuma Ikenna Egwim as the substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The appointment, announced on Tuesday takes immediate effect, and has been described by stakeholders as a “round peg in a round hole,” with many expressing optimism that it will usher in a new era of professionalism, improved administration, and enhanced healthcare delivery at the institution.
Dr. Egwim, a Chief Consultant Family Physician, succeeds Prof. Kingsley Achigbu, a Paediatrics specialist, and brings to the role a wealth of clinical, academic, and administrative experience spanning several years in the Nigerian health system.
A Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria since 2008, Dr. Egwim is also a recipient of the Provost Award of the 1999 graduating class of the University of Ibadan Medical School.
His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Clinical Research from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology from Walden University, USA. He has also received specialised training in palliative care from Hospice Africa, Uganda, and Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Within the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, he has previously served in several key leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Family Medicine, Head of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Unit, and pioneer Head of the Palliative Care Unit.
Beyond the hospital, he has contributed to the medical profession through leadership roles such as Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State branch, and Chairman of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Imo State.
Reacting to the development, a group of health stakeholders who spoke with JustNet News described the appointment as a major boost for the state’s healthcare system.
“We see growth, we see harmony, we see superlative administration”, the stakeholders said. “Egwim is a core professional who exudes joy in what he does. He is a delight in medical practice and a gift not only to Imo State but to Nigeria as a whole”.
They further commended President Tinubu for the appointment, noting that it aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and called for more merit-driven appointments across critical sectors.
“We wish him all the best and say a big thank you to the Federal Government as we continue to advocate for more such appointments in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the group added.
Dr. Egwim’s appointment has since continued to attract positive reactions, with stakeholders expressing confidence in his capacity to reposition the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri for improved service delivery and institutional growth.