CMD Urges Professionalism, Ethical Integrity as IHSAN Chapter Holds Maiden Public Lecture

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has called on public servants and healthcare professionals to uphold diligence, professionalism and ethical integrity as the healthcare system undergoes significant institutional and technological changes.

The call was made during the maiden public lecture of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN), UBTH Chapter, held under the theme, “Still Diligent: The Mindset of the Public Servant in a Healthcare System in Flux.”

Representing the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, at the event was the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Clinical), Dr. Philip Osho.

In her address, the CMD described the theme as timely, stressing that a rapidly changing healthcare environment requires public servants to go beyond routine compliance with established procedures.

She emphasised the importance of continuous self-reflection, professional development and constructive engagement in strengthening public institutions and improving healthcare administration.

According to the hospital management, the changing nature of healthcare delivery makes it increasingly necessary for professionals to remain adaptable while preserving the principles of accountability, ethical conduct and service to the public.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu also commended the IHSAN UBTH Chapter for organising the lecture and for its efforts to create a platform for professional dialogue and knowledge exchange.

She reaffirmed the hospital management’s support for intellectual and professional initiatives capable of strengthening institutional capacity, encouraging learning and promoting excellence in healthcare administration.

The Chairman of IHSAN, UBTH Chapter, Uwaila Ilesammi Joshua, Esq., described the maiden public lecture as an important milestone for the chapter, noting its potential to stimulate discussions around the responsibilities of healthcare administrators and public servants.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Ven. Osazee David Egbenusi, Esq., JP, identified continuous learning, ethical stewardship, service orientation, inter-professional collaboration and resilience as critical attributes of an effective public servant.

He noted that healthcare administration is being reshaped by several developments, including digital transformation, health insurance reforms, workforce migration, increasing public expectations and persistent resource constraints.

These developments, he argued, require healthcare professionals to continually update their knowledge, strengthen their competencies and remain responsive to the needs of patients and institutions.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaboration among different professional groups within healthcare institutions. Effective healthcare delivery depends not only on clinical expertise but also on sound administration, responsible leadership, efficient coordination and adherence to professional standards.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Water Resources and Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboa, Esq., also addressed participants, contributing to the broader discussion on professionalism and public service.

The lecture attracted senior management officials, healthcare professionals, administrators, academics and other stakeholders from UBTH and institutions within and outside Edo State.

Among those present were the Director of Administration, UBTH, Jim Uwadiae, Esq.; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Grace Arheghan; Immediate Past Director of Administration, UBTH, Mr. M. O. Jimoh-Kadiri; former Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Training and Monitoring), Dr. Fidelis Eki-Udoko; Head of Pharmacy, Dr. E. O. Yovwin; Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Prof. E. Enabudoso; Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Services, Dr. Philomena Ogbogu; and Deputy Provost (Academics), Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, UBTH, Dr. (Mrs.) R. Okolie.

Other participants included the Director of Administration, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Henry Egon; lecturer at the Faculty of Computing, University of Benin, Mrs. Francisca Egbokhare, mni; and Mr. Joshua Esekhile, representing Lutron Medical Center, one of the sponsors of the programme.

A delegation from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), led by the Deputy Director of Administration, Mr. G. Enaboifo, also attended the event.

The Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), UBTH Chapter, Mrs. Iyalekhue-Eboigbe Esohe, was represented by Mrs. Ekuase Grace. Heads of departments in administration, alongside staff from various departments and units of UBTH, were also in attendance.

The public lecture comes amid wider efforts by UBTH management to strengthen professional development, institutional collaboration and healthcare service delivery. The hospital has, under Prof. Ize-Iyamu, continued to emphasise staff development, communication, collaboration and continuous improvement as components of its institutional agenda. UBTH’s official records also document management engagements with hospital-based unions and professional associations, reflecting an emphasis on dialogue and collaboration within the institution.

The maiden IHSAN public lecture therefore provided an avenue for stakeholders to examine the responsibilities of public servants in a healthcare environment increasingly influenced by technology, policy reforms, changing workforce dynamics and growing expectations from citizens.

For healthcare institutions, the central challenge remains how to embrace innovation and reform without weakening the ethical principles, professional discipline and public-service orientation that underpin effective healthcare delivery.

UBTH urges healthcare administrators and public servants to uphold professionalism, ethical integrity and continuous learning as IHSAN UBTH Chapter hosts its maiden public lecture.