From Isaac Ojo, Nnewi
The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Dr Joseph Ugboaja, has disclosed that life as a Gynaecologist is very interesting and sometimes can be challenging.
Dr Ugboaja stated this during a brief interactive session with journalists to mark his birthday, at Nnewi.
The NAUTH CMAC stated that dealing with women is a lot peculiar, tracing his journey as an advocate of women’s health.
“I started off with Residency training in this hospital which ended in 2011 with the acquisition of Fellowships of the National Postgraduate College of Nigeria(FMCOG) and West African College of Surgeons(FWACS). I later added that of International College of Surgeons (FICS). Since 2011, I have practiced as a general Obstetrician & Gynaecologist but with interest in fertility management and Minimal Access Surgery.
“Based on this interest. In 2015, I traveled to India for a one year experience in Minimal Access Surgery and Assisted Reproductive Techniques. This culminated in the award of Fellowship of Minimal Access Surgery(FMAS), Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery(DMAS) and Postgraduate diploma in Assisted Reproductive Technique(dip.ART).”
Dr Ugboaja said that as soon as he came back from India, he upgraded the unit of the hospital to a sub-specialty of Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) and Assisted Reproductive Technique(ART), a singular venture which according to him, revolutionized the practice of Gynaecological endoscopy in NAUTH as training and service delivery got enhanced.
“Some of the procedures we do and teach the Residents, Nurses, Interns, medical students and younger consultants include diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy, diagnostic hysteroscopy, laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and adhesiolysis, hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, septum resection, Artificial insemination among others.
“I have written extensively on these procedures, our challenges and the outcome of treatment in both local and international journals and they are accessible,” he explained
The NAUTH CMAC however said that practising at that level has been fulfilling and exciting.
“These are services that, previously, people travel abroad or far places to access but I was able to bring them to NAUTH despite all odds and I’m very happy I did, seeing what has come out of that initiative.
“Additionally, that exposure has also assisted us in establishing MAS for other units in the hospital namely General surgery, Urology and paediatric surgery units. These units now carry out both diagnostic and operative MAS procedures some of which include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Transuretheral Resection of the Prostate(TURP), lap Orchidopexy among others.
“My next plan is to establish an ART laboratory in the hospital and commence Invitro Fertilization (IVF) for couples who are experiencing difficulties with achieving pregnancy. That will commence at our permanent site next year by God’s grace.”
Dr Ugboaja explained that he enjoys research and scientific writing in addition to his clinical and administrative duties with over 70 quality research articles published in reputable journals across the globe. His areas of your interest include women’s health, leadership and management.
He also advocated a robust partnership between the public and the private sector towards the provision of the needed infrastructure for quality health care delivery, noting that the process of having a healthy society should be a collective responsibility.
“PPP provides a wonderful platform and opportunity for the private sector to participate in the management and improvement of the public institutions.
“That is why we are vigorously pursuing the initiative in NAUTH in order to procure the needed equipment to enable us achieve our vision of getting NAUTH to rank among the top 5 Teaching hospitals in the country.
“Our model of PPP will not only provide the needed infrastructure and equipment but will also train our staff and enhance their productivity. It is not the model that will render our people redundant,” he said.
He appreciated God for sparing his life to witness another year.
“I am excited that God in his infinite mercies has added a year to my age. I again want to use this occasion to passionately appeal to all Nigerians to take more responsibility and abide with the government’s directive on prevention and spread of COVID-19 infection
