President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof. Murtala Muhammad-Ahmad as the seventh substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by the Head of Public Affairs, UDUTH, Mansur Wadata.

According to him, the appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate.

He said Muhammad-Ahmad succeeded Prof. Anas Ahmad-Sabir, who completed his two-term tenure in May.

In his remarks, Mr Ali-Pate urged the new CMD to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President by working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

He also reminded him of the responsibilities of the office and the expectations of Nigerians for an efficient and responsive healthcare system.

Mr Wadata described the appointment as a historic milestone, noting that Muhammad-Ahmad had become the second alumnus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University to head the teaching hospital.

He said the new CMD had over two decades of experience in paediatrics and child health, combining clinical practice, academic teaching and hospital administration.

According to him, Mr Muhammad-Ahmad obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University before earning a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians in Paediatrics.

The head of public affairs said the new CMD also possessed several specialised certifications and other academic qualifications.

He added that before his appointment, Mr Muhammad-Ahmad served as deputy chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Training) at UDUTH for four years.

He stated, “He also held several other positions, including Deputy Director of the Institute of Child Health and Faculty Examinations Officer in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences. He has also served as Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Acting CMD on several occasions.

“Beyond hospital administration, he has been involved in maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response, as well as serving as a national trainer on the management of severe acute malnutrition.”

Mr Wadata further said Mr Muhammad-Ahmad had published research papers in peer-reviewed journals covering child health, child neurology, epilepsy and other paediatric health issues.

He added that the new CMD remained actively involved in mentoring medical professionals and postgraduate students.

The appointment takes effect from October 20 for an initial term of four years.

(NAN)