The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has cleared the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) to serve as Teaching Hospital for Novena University.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ASH, Dr Peace Ighosewe, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the clearance was given following Wednesday’s inspection and advisory for accreditation of the Faculty of Medical Sciences for Novena University, Ogume, Delta.

According to reports, the Novena University, a foremost private university in Delta, was recently awarded accreditation for Medicine (MBBS).

The institution in its bid to accommodate the yearnings and aspirations of youth who are unable to get education opportunities has proposed to use the Asaba Specialist Hospital as its teaching hospital.

Ighosewe, while commending Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and the immediate past Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for their support in making the dream come through, said that the hospital had continued to enjoy tremendous support from the Ministry of Health.

“The Council’s visit to the specialist hospital was to ascertain the hospital’s preparedness for the commencement of medical studies for the medical students of Novena University.

“The inspection and verification process was carried out as a vital stage of accreditation to uphold the quality of medical education and training which will ultimately benefit both the students and patients that they will serve,” Ighosewe said.

According to him, the hospital is very much interested and ready to move to the next level of practising at the level of a befitting teaching hospital after being duly certified by MDCN.

“The management of the hospital is positive about meeting up with their side of the agreement in providing a safe and conducive learning environment for medical students.

“The Council at different times visited the hospital for accreditations and they have always been satisfied with the level of manpower and medical equipment situated in the hospital.

“MDCN has been to ASH several times for other accreditations and we have never failed any. In the past, the hospital has been involved in the training of residents of several faculties and also intern doctors, nurses and Pharmacists.

“I am hopeful that we will keep living up to expectations and do better as we go along,” she said.

Dr Isoje Daniel, Chairman, Clinical Services and Training and Medical Advisory Committee, stated that the new development of accreditation was a great feat for the members of the ASH community.

“The visionary leadership of the CMD who has always strived for new grounds

“This is a dream come true as it has always been her desire to take the hospital from being a specialist hospital to a teaching hospital.”

He added that before now, the hospital had been accredited for postgraduate training in paediatrics, family medicine and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Daniel also said that they were looking at getting accreditation for medical laboratory scientists and the radiology department.

“The collaboration with Novena University to train medical students is not an easy task and it is setting the foundation for future medical practitioners which comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities.”

The Vice Chancellor of Novena University, Prof. Godwin Nduka, stated that the Asaba Specialist Hospital was chosen due to its accomplishments.

Nduka expressed satisfaction with the accreditation of ASH for use as a teaching hospital for the medical students of Novena University.

He noted that the hospital was strategically located to serve the medical needs of people in Delta and other neighbouring states.

“We are satisfied with our partnership with the hospital because we have seen that they are ready to work,” he added.