Imo Corporation, Agencies Partner For Efficient, Affordable Healthcare

The Heartland Hospital Management Corporation (HHMC) in collaboration  with key health agencies has put mechanisms  in place to deepen and fast-track Governor Hope Uzodimma’s quest for efficient, affordable and world class healthcare in Imo State.

The meeting, hosted at HHMC headquarters in Owerri, was attended by leaders from the Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (IMPHCDA), Imo State Specialist Hospital (ISSH), Owerri, and Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, alongside senior HHMC executives.

They focused on eliminating silos, boosting synergy and aligning efforts with ongoing reforms, including facility reconstructions, equipment upgrades, improved service delivery and the planned Robotic Surgical Centre.

Speaking at the meeting, the HHMC managing director/CEO, Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri, described the corporation as a flagship initiative of Governor Uzodimma created by restructuring the former Hospital Management Board to modernize hospital administration, enhance efficiency and coordinate clinical services statewide.

“We are a team of professionals assembled to realize the lofty vision of the Governor in healthcare. The transformation going on across sectors is also evident in healthcare and we must sustain the momentum through collective effort,” Dr. Ogueri said.

He highlighted HHMC’s mandate to harness expertise for reforms, better service delivery, affordability, and restore public trust via coordination and innovation.

Dr. Chima Oparaji, CMD of Imo State Specialist Hospital, Owerri, praised the progress under HHMC, citing reconstruction works and the upcoming Robotic Surgical Centre as signs of change. He acknowledged past neglect but expressed optimism with the Governor’s vision for lasting impact through closer collaboration.

Dr. Kosisochukwu Ekenjoku, executive secretary of IMPHCDA, called for regular interfaces between primary healthcare and HHMC to advance integration and the administration’s goals.

Representing the IMSUTH Orlu CMD, Dr. Ben Bernard, director of Administration commended the governor’s revitalization efforts and HHMC’s management, especially Orlu’s reconstruction and upgrades. He urged policy continuity beyond the current administration to prevent past inconsistencies that led to sector decline.

In the vote of thanks, deputy managing director, Dr. Alex Nwogu thanked participants, reaffirmed partnerships, and announced that the Central Drug Store would become operational before month’s end to improve drug supply and efficiency.

Other HHMC attendees included; Dr. Chibuike Onyeukwu (Executive Director, Corporate Affairs), Mr. Emeka Ekwelem (Executive Director, Operations), Dr. Andrew Ezimefula (Director of Hospital Services), Dr. Emeka Udeariri (Public Relations Officer), and departmental directors.

Participants lauded Governor Uzodimma’s commitment and resolved to hold more frequent engagements, emphasizing teamwork, alignment, and consistency as vital for a responsive, and efficient healthcare system in Imo State.