Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has said the extensive infrastructural and service upgrades undertaken by her administration are aimed at improving patient care and enhancing the overall hospital experience.
She disclosed this during a facility tour with stakeholders at the UBTH, where several upgraded and newly expanded facilities were inspected.
The facilities include renovated security posts, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency Complex, and an expanded mortuary, whose capacity has increased from 72 to 460 chambers.
Others are a multi-faith centre, premium and regular renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic, a revitalised oxygen plant, a geriatric ward, a 160-slice CT scan, a Special Investigation Unit, dental and oncology centres, as well as upgraded theatre facilities.
The CMD said the projects were driven by the need to provide patients with safe, dignified and world-class healthcare services.
The CMD stressed that UBTH remains a one-stop tertiary healthcare institution with specialist services covering neurosurgery, oncology, dentistry, eye care, renal services and other complex medical needs.
She reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all patients irrespective of age, gender, tribe, religion or social status, noting that sickness knows no boundaries.
Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu also announced plans to extend its impact to underserved communities through its comprehensive health centre at Udo, where 5,000 people will receive free medical services, including cataract surgery and other treatments.
A new dental centre equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities will also be commissioned at the centre.
She thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, donors, staff and other stakeholders for their support, assuring that UBTH would continue to improve its facilities and patient experience while remaining open to the public 24/7.
On the part of Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Medical Director of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga who performed the unveiling of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), among other projects, commended the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for her remarkable achievements in her first year in office.
She praised the CMD of the hospital for her prudent management, visionary leadership, and efforts to improve infrastructure and clinical services, describing her as a beacon of hope and a trailblazer as the hospital’s first female Chief Medical Director.
Kachollom said the achievements recorded within 365 days demonstrated her commitment to transforming the hospital and improving healthcare delivery.
She pledged to submit a comprehensive report, supported by photographic evidence, to the Permanent Secretary for further commendation.
She further urged UBTH staff and stakeholders to continue supporting the Chief Medical Director in actualising the hospital’s mandate, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
