Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital CMD Seeks Partnership with Health Professionals, Unveils Internship Plans

Timescope News 

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Araf Specialist Hospital, Akwanga, Dr. Esala E. Abene, has expressed the hospital’s readiness to partner with health professionals from various healthcare institutions to ensure the delivery of top-tier medical services.

Dr. Abene made this known when officials of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia branch, paid him a courtesy visit in Akwanga.

He described the union as pivotal to the development of any health facility, assuring that the hospital would do everything within its limits to meet their demands. "The door of the hospital is open to your contributions," he stated.

Speaking on capacity building, Dr. Abene disclosed that the specialist hospital is making concerted efforts to introduce an internship programme at DASH Akwanga. However, he noted that accreditation by relevant bodies, adequate human resources, proper structure, and necessary equipment must first be put in place to receive young graduates from various fields. "This will allow them to come and learn before proceeding for their NYSC, and it will ultimately strengthen the system," he explained.

According to him, "We have started discussions with the office of the C-MAC and the Deputy C-MAC to initially begin work on housemanship for doctors. We will extend it to other professions that require internship once we meet the requirements."

Earlier in his address, the NUAHP Chairman, Comrade Luka Dauda Ogu, congratulated Dr. Abene on his appointment. He also commended the CMD and his management team for the massive renovation work that has transformed the old general hospital into a befitting specialist hospital.

Comrade Ogu further noted that the NUAHP is a major trade union established in 1978, representing a broad spectrum of non-physician healthcare workers in Nigeria, and advocating for the welfare and professional interests of its members.

He revealed that the union's branch at DASH has been constituted and will soon be inaugurated. He also praised the state governor for appointing Dr. Abene, a renowned nephrologist, as the pioneer Chief Medical Director, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would greatly benefit the new hospital's development.