RismadarVoice Reporters, April 13, 2026
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Professor Chituru Orluwene, has announced that his administration will prioritize transparency and inclusiveness through an open-door, bottom-top approach to governance.
Professor Orluwene made this known while briefing journalists to mark his first 100 days in office as the 8th CMD of the institution.
He emphasized that fostering communication between management and staff at all levels would be central to driving reforms and improving service delivery in the hospital.
As part of efforts to sanitize the system, the CMD disclosed that salaries of about 1,000 workers have been stopped following a comprehensive staff verification exercise.
According to him, the hospital’s payroll previously listed over 4,000 employees, but a headcount revealed that only about 2,000 staff members were physically present and accounted for. This discrepancy, he noted, necessitated the verification process to eliminate irregularities.
Highlighting early achievements under his leadership, Professor Orluwene said the hospital has introduced an in-patient feeding system, where patients can access three nutritious meals daily at a cost of ₦5,000. He explained that the initiative is aimed at improving patient care and overall hospital experience.
The CMD further stated that management is taking decisive steps to curb corruption within the facility. He revealed that the hospital has clamped down on unauthorized financial practices, including staff collecting payments through personal Point of Sale (POS) systems, describing such acts as unacceptable and detrimental to institutional integrity.
In addition, several infrastructure projects have been executed and commissioned within the 100-day period. These include the renovation of the Accident and Emergency wards, installation of solar-powered electricity systems, procurement of an incinerator, and upgrades to the hospital’s gate and administrative entrance.
According to reports the projects form part of a broader effort by the current administration to reposition UPTH as a more efficient, transparent, and patient-focused healthcare institution.
