By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ijeoma Akunyili, daughter late pioneer Director General of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Professor Dora Akunyili has been named the Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, in the United States of America.
A statement made available on the official website of the center says Dr. Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to serve in that capacity.
“She has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and as our Chief Medical Officer, we look forward to creating a world-class experience for every patient at Jersey City Medical Center. I am confident that Hudson County will benefit in a great way from her leadership, and that her presence will have a tremendous impact”, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center, Michael Prilutsky was quoted as saying.
Also, the Executive Vice President/Chief Medical and Quality Officer at WJBarnabas, Dr. Andy Anderson responded to the appointment. He said, her “experience managing multi-specialty physician groups in integrated health care systems will help support Jersey City Medical Center in providing comprehensive health care throughout the community.”
Ijeoma while speaking on her appointment was quoted as saying, “I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the residents of Hudson County and continuing to provide safe, innovative, efficient, and equitable care.
“It is a true privilege to lead the clinical effort at Jersey City Medical Center and to create sustainable health outcomes for our community.”
Her late mother Dora Akunyili who later served as Information and Communication Minister in Nigerian federal cabinet was the Director-General of NAFDAC from 2001 to 2008.
She however died in 2014 after battling cancer for about two years.
