COOUTH Inaugurates Standing Committee on Morbidity and Mortality Review
The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka, has inaugurated a Standing Committee on Morbidity and Mortality Review as part of ongoing efforts by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, to strengthen clinical governance, improve patient safety and enhance healthcare outcomes in the institution.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr Umeakuewulu said the establishment of the committee reflected Management’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and the delivery of evidence-based patient care.
She explained that the committee would provide a structured and professional platform for the systematic review of mortality cases, near-miss events and severe morbidity, with the aim of identifying gaps in clinical practice, improving processes and preventing avoidable adverse outcomes.
The committee is chaired by Emeritus Professor F. C. Akpuaka, former Provost of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine.
Other members are Professor Bryan Adimma, former Commissioner for Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Professor Chukwudi Okani, Professor of Pathology; Dr Charles Ugwunze, Consultant Pulmonologist and Head of Internal Medicine; Dr Uche Umeh, Head of Community Medicine; and Mrs Uzoamaka Onunuju, Confidential Secretary to the Chief Medical Director.
The CMD noted that the inauguration, held on September 16, 2026, coincided with the sixth month of her assumption of office as Chief Medical Director.
She described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the progress recorded so far and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to repositioning COOUTH as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training and research.
The CMD said the administration’s priorities were anchored on three major pillars: strengthening clinical services, advancing training and promoting research.
According to her, the increasing patient utilisation indices recorded by the hospital indicate growing confidence in the services being provided.
Dr Umeakuewulu also highlighted the ongoing transformation of the hospital environment and strategic investments aimed at improving its clinical capacity.
She listed the delivery of specialised equipment for Orthopaedic Surgery and the acquisition of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine for the Paediatrics Department to support newborns and other children requiring respiratory assistance among the recent interventions.
She acknowledged the continued support and commitment of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, noting that the support had been instrumental to the ongoing development and transformation of COOUTH.
Speaking on the composition of the committee, the CMD said its members were carefully selected based on their wealth of experience, professional competence and diverse areas of expertise.
She emphasised that the committee was deliberately constituted as a Standing Committee rather than an ad hoc body to ensure sustained review, institutional learning and continuous improvement.
According to her, the committee’s recommendations would guide improvements in clinical practice, strengthen accountability and contribute to restoring greater public confidence in the hospital.
The CMD assured the committee of Management’s full support and cooperation in carrying out its responsibilities.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Emeritus Professor F. C. Akpuaka, commended the Management for establishing the committee as a permanent structure, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery at COOUTH.
He expressed confidence that the calibre and diversity of the committee members would enable the body to make meaningful contributions to improving patient care and clinical outcomes.
Professor Akpuaka assured Management of the committee’s commitment to applying its collective expertise towards achieving the objectives for which it was established.
The event was attended by members of the COOUTH Management team.
