By Valentine Obienyem
THE last time I visited Regina Caeli Hospital, I wrote about how amazed I was by the remarkable transformation taking place there. I shared photographs of the newly completed building housing all the wards, describing it – perhaps rather enthusiastically – as among the best in the East and certainly comparable to some of the finest hospital facilities in Nigeria. I also paid tribute to my former teacher, Fr. Paulinus Anaedu, whose vision and efforts attracted that magnificent facility.
That transformation, however, would not have been possible without the support and vision of Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, whose episcopacy has been marked by steady commitment to rehabilitating old infrastructure while simultaneously investing in new ones across the Diocese of Awka. Under his leadership, ageing schools, hospitals, churches, and other diocesan institutions have been given new life, while several new projects have sprung up to meet the growing needs of the faithful. Regina Caeli Hospital stands today as one of the finest testimonies to that vision. The Bishop deserves profound appreciation for his untiring efforts to strengthen the Church’s social mission through sustainable investment in healthcare and other critical sectors.
I made my earlier observation because I had seen the quality of the facilities firsthand. Every hospital bed is fitted with built-in oxygen and other modern medical features that reflect thoughtful planning and a commitment to quality healthcare. As a patient, all you need do is press a button by your bedside and, almost immediately, a nurse is there to attend to you. Even the flooring is made of specially designed material that enhances hygiene, safety, and infection control. Every detail speaks of careful planning and a determination to provide world-class healthcare.
I was at the hospital again today, and it appears that every visit reveals another significant development. Alongside the photograph of the completed ward, I have also attached a picture of the Accident and Emergency Department, which is currently undergoing extensive expansion and renovation. Some of the existing walls have been pulled down, while new pillars are being erected to support a much larger and more functional structure. It is obvious that Fr. Innocent Affusim is not resting on his achievements.
The last time I met him, I jokingly told him that if I were the Bishop, I would simply send him to study Hospital Management at one of the world’s leading institutions and, upon his return, place him in charge of all the hospitals in the Diocese. Beneath the humour was a sincere conviction that his administrative ability, vision, and dedication deserve to be replicated on a wider scale.
I also remember telling him that, judging by what I had seen, Peter University should consider establishing a College of Medicine, with Regina Caeli Hospital serving as its teaching hospital. I was therefore delighted when he informed me that Tansian University is already considering using the hospital for its medical programme. It made me wonder whether one teaching hospital can effectively serve two universities. If that is possible, Regina Caeli Hospital would certainly be well positioned to do so.
My first encounter with Fr. Innocent was when he was managing the hospital at Umuchukwu. He persistently reached out to me, expressing his desire to see me wherever I might be so that he could hand over letters requesting the support of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi. Eventually, while I was passing through Owerri-Ezukala, I informed him, and he came out to wait for me by the roadside.
The letters he handed to me reflected the depth of his passion for healthcare. They sought assistance for upgrading the hospital, settling the medical bills of indigent patients who could not afford treatment, procuring a dialysis machine, and establishing partnerships that would make dialysis services affordable for the poor. That first encounter told me everything I needed to know about the man and his commitment to serving humanity through healthcare.
Fr. Innocent is also fortunate to have two equally dedicated priests working with him – Fr. Anthony Ezeteka and Fr. Emmanuel Okeke. I have personally observed their commitment, compassion, and hard work. Together, they form a team that is steadily building one of the finest faith-based healthcare institutions in our region.
The work going on at Regina Caeli Hospital deserves encouragement and support. Despite the massive investments in facilities and equipment, the hospital’s charges remain remarkably compassionate when compared with the quality of services provided and what is obtainable elsewhere.
In keeping with my long-held philosophy of giving greater support where resources are already being put to good and productive use, I encourage all those who are able to support Regina Caeli Hospital. Such support may come in the form of donating medical equipment, helping to offset the hospital bills of indigent patients, sponsoring critical healthcare projects, or contributing in any other way possible.
When dedication meets compassion, visionary leadership, and accountability, the result is excellence. Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor has provided the vision, Fr. Innocent Affusim and his team have translated that vision into reality, and Regina Caeli Hospital has become a shining example of what can be achieved when committed leadership is matched by selfless service. Such efforts deserve not only our admiration but also our continued support.