UBTH CMD Urges Public Servants to Uphold Professionalism, Ethical Integrity

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has urged public servants in the healthcare sector to uphold professionalism, ethical integrity and continuous learning in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The CMD made the call during the maiden public lecture organised by the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN), UBTH Chapter, with the theme, “Still Diligent: The Mindset of the Public Servant in a Healthcare System in Flux.” Represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Clinicals), Dr. Philip Osho, Prof. Ize-Iyamu described the theme as timely, stressing that navigating a rapidly changing healthcare environment requires more than routine compliance.

She emphasised the importance of continuous self-reflection, professional development and constructive dialogue in strengthening public service delivery and healthcare administration. The CMD also commended the IHSAN UBTH Chapter for its forward-looking initiative and commitment to promoting higher professional standards within the healthcare system.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu reaffirmed the hospital management’s support for intellectual and professional forums that promote knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to improved healthcare service delivery.

In his remarks, the Chairman of IHSAN, UBTH Chapter, Uwaila Ilesammi Joshua, Esq., described the maiden public lecture as a significant milestone for the chapter, noting that the initiative was aimed at stimulating meaningful discussions on the evolving responsibilities of healthcare administrators and public servants.

Delivering the lecture, Ven. Osazee David Egbenusi, Esq., JP, identified continuous learning, ethical stewardship, service orientation, inter-professional collaboration and resilience as essential attributes of a diligent public servant. He noted that digital transformation, health insurance reforms, workforce migration, rising public expectations and resource constraints were reshaping healthcare administration and requiring professionals to continually update their knowledge and competencies.

The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Water Resources and Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboa, Esq., also addressed the gathering, contributing to discussions on professionalism, ethical conduct and effective public service.

The lecture attracted top management staff, senior officials, healthcare professionals and stakeholders from within and outside UBTH, including the Director of Administration, UBTH, Jim Uwadiae, Esq., Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Grace Arheghan, Immediate Past Director of Administration, Mr. M. O. Jimoh-Kadiri, former DCMAC, Training and Monitoring, Dr. Fidelis Eki-Udoko, Head of Pharmacy, Dr. E. O. Yovwin and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Prof. E. Enabudoso.

Also in attendance were the Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Services, Dr. Philomena Ogbogu, Deputy Provost (Academics), Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, UBTH, Dr. (Mrs.) R. Okolie, Director of Administration, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Henry Egon, lecturer, Faculty of Computing, University of Benin, Mrs. Francisca Egbokhare, mni, a representative of Lutron Medical Centre, Mr. Joshua Esekhile as well as a delegation from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital led by its Deputy Director of Administration, Mr. G. Enaboifo. The Chairman of NANNM, UBTH Chapter, Mrs. Iyalekhue-Eboigbe Esohe, was represented by Mrs. Ekuase Grace, while heads of departments and staff of UBTH also graced the occasion.