Strategic Partnership: NAUTH and Presidential Health Office Unite for Healthcare Transformation

Strategic Partnership: NAUTH and Presidential Health Office Unite for Healthcare Transformation

By Umehaa Emezie Ikenna

S.A to the CMD on Strategic Communication.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, has solidified its position as a leading healthcare institution with the historic visit of Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, on June 10 – 11, 2025. This strategic partnership marks a transformative milestone in NAUTH’s journey toward healthcare excellence.

⸻

Presidential Recognition and Vision 2030

Professor Joseph Odilichukwu Ugboaja, OON, Chief Medical Director, presented his compelling transformation story titled “Making of New NAUTH: A Product of Vision, Hard Work, Sacrifice, and Teamwork” to the distinguished delegation. Since August 2021, his visionary leadership has driven NAUTH’s extraordinary evolution, positioning it to become one of Nigeria’s top three hospitals by 2030.

The presentation showcased remarkable achievements: 95% facility relocation to the permanent site, expansion from 350 to 1,500 beds with ambitious plans for 5,000 beds, making NAUTH Africa’s largest hospital. Professor Ugboaja’s nine strategic pillars encompassing governance, infrastructure, equipment, research, human capital, partnerships, financial management, and staff welfare—have transformed NAUTH into a world-class medical institution.

Dr. Anas praised this transformation as “a true reflection of the Renewed Hope Health Agenda,” endorsing Professor Ugboaja’s exceptional leadership and confirming federal government commitment to NAUTH’s continued growth.

⸻

Management Interactions and Strategic Discussions

Dr. Anas engaged extensively with NAUTH’s expanded management team and staff, gaining insights into the hospital’s operational excellence and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. These interactions highlighted the collaborative leadership culture that Professor Ugboaja has fostered, creating a motivated and skilled workforce prepared for future challenges.

The discussions revealed NAUTH’s exciting next phase of development, which includes the introduction of telemedicine services to extend healthcare access to remote communities, enhanced staff training and development programs to maintain world-class standards, and the introduction of more specialized medical services that will further establish NAUTH as a comprehensive healthcare destination.

Dr. Anas’s positive response to Professor Ugboaja’s funding and staffing appeals was decisive. She emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving medical tourism, positioning NAUTH as a flagship destination. Her assurance of continued collaboration, particularly in maternal and child health initiatives, aligns perfectly with Professor Ugboaja’s expertise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Minimal Access Surgery, and Fertility Management.

This federal recognition provides NAUTH enhanced prospects for resource allocation, special intervention programs, and priority consideration in healthcare infrastructure development.

⸻

Comprehensive Facility Assessment

Dr. Anas conducted comprehensive facility tours across the entire hospital complex, witnessing the impressive new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Complex, the Medical and Surgical Emergency Complex, General Outpatient Department (GOPD), various specialized wards, ongoing road projects, and the Central Laboratory. The comprehensive assessment showcased NAUTH’s state-of-the-art medical equipment and advanced Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, confirming the institution’s readiness as a premier medical tourism destination.

⸻

A Special Moment: New Life and Renewed Hope

During the tour of the Mother and Child Care Zone, providence presented a beautiful moment when a patient delivered her baby while Dr. Anas was visiting the facility. This coincidental blessing became a highlight of the visit as the Special Adviser personally reached out to the new mother, offering congratulations, gifts, and prayers for the newborn and family. This touching encounter perfectly symbolized the life-giving mission of NAUTH and the renewed hope that quality healthcare brings to families and communities.

⸻

Federal Support, Community Integration and Medical Tourism Prospects

A significant highlight of the visit was the delegation’s stop at the palace of Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the traditional ruler of Nnewi. This visit demonstrated NAUTH’s deep community roots and the traditional authority’s strong support for the hospital’s transformation agenda. The warm reception and mutual commitment underscored the importance of culturally integrated healthcare delivery and community engagement.

⸻

Strategic Partnership Beyond Healthcare: Innoson Visit

As part of the comprehensive engagement during her visit, Professor Ugboaja facilitated Dr. Anas’s tour of the renowned Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company. This strategic addition to the itinerary showcased the strong partnership between NAUTH and key industrial stakeholders in the region. Innoson, as a significant stakeholder in the hospital, has contributed substantially to NAUTH’s development and continues to support the institution’s growth trajectory.

During this visit, Innoson’s commitment to NAUTH’s success was further demonstrated through the presentation of a specially designed bus to the hospital. This thoughtful contribution addresses the transportation challenges faced by hospital staff traveling to the permanent site, exemplifying the kind of strategic partnerships that enhance operational efficiency and staff welfare—core pillars of Professor Ugboaja’s transformation agenda.

⸻

Excellence Model and Future Impact

NAUTH’s transformation under Professor Ugboaja’s leadership—recognized through his Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award—demonstrates how visionary leadership achieves remarkable institutional change. The hospital’s expansion directly benefits Southeast Nigeria and beyond, significantly improving healthcare access while ensuring patients receive world-class care domestically.

The strategic partnership establishes NAUTH as a replicable model for healthcare excellence across Nigeria’s system. With federal support, community backing, and proven leadership, NAUTH is positioned to achieve its 2030 vision while contributing significantly to national healthcare development.

⸻

Conclusion

This historic visit represents formal recognition of NAUTH as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s healthcare transformation. Under Professor Ugboaja’s exceptional leadership, NAUTH has evolved from a regional provider to a national excellence model with international aspirations.

The partnership positions NAUTH to lead Nigeria’s healthcare revolution, setting new standards for institutional excellence, patient care, and medical innovation that will benefit all Nigerians and the broader African continent.