By Elijah Ugani
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has directed the Management Board of the University Health Centre to submit a comprehensive report outlining the centre’s challenges, strategic needs and plans for improved healthcare delivery.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the directive when members of the Health Centre Management Board paid a courtesy visit to the university management.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaete Inyang Enang, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the board members and commended them for supporting the administration’s commitment to the welfare of members of the university community, particularly students.
He urged the board to prepare and submit a detailed official document outlining the Health Centre’s strategic plans, pressing needs and challenges, noting that the report would enable Management to make informed decisions and effectively address issues affecting the facility.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the board that Management would continue to explore ways of addressing the challenges confronting the centre, including partnerships with relevant health agencies to strengthen medical services for staff and students.
He also disclosed that remedial measures would be taken to improve the Health Centre ahead of the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games, which the University of Calabar is scheduled to host.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Medical Board, Dr. Victor Nwagbara, said the visit was aimed at briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the current state of the Health Centre and the challenges affecting its operations.
Nwagbara explained that the board also came to present its terms of reference, as earlier requested by the Vice-Chancellor, while assuring Management of the board’s commitment to effective service delivery and efficient oversight of the centre.
He identified inadequate funding as the major challenge facing the facility and appealed to Management to provide the Director of Health Services with adequate impress to enable the centre operate effectively.
The Medical Board Chairman assured the Vice-Chancellor that the board would submit the requested comprehensive document detailing the needs and challenges of the Health Services.
He further highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including the reintroduction of mandatory medical screening for newly admitted students, upgrading of facilities ahead of the NUGA games, provision of functional medical equipment and appropriate storage facilities.
Nwagbara also called for proper utilisation of funds from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme (T-SHIP), warning that poor utilisation could jeopardise the continued operation of the schemes.
Also present during the meeting were the Director of Health Services, Dr. Kaiser Etta, and the Secretary of the Medical Board, Mrs. Agnes Atrogor, Esq.
The meeting underscored the university management’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services as part of efforts to improve the welfare of the university community.