From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi has organised its first International Investment Summit, aiming to position the hospital as a centre of excellence in training, research, and comprehensive healthcare.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Stephen Hwande, revealed this during a press briefing in Makurdi on Wednesday. He announced the hospital’s intention to raise N5 billion to establish a cancer treatment centre.
Dr Hwande emphasised the importance of teaching hospitals as centres of excellence, research, training, and quality healthcare, stating that BSUTH must keep pace with these standards.
“We are organising the first-ever BSUTH International Investment Summit,” he announced. “We call it ‘international’ because we have speakers from within and outside Nigeria, and individuals in the diaspora can participate via Zoom.”
Dr Hwande argued that healthcare should not solely rely on government funding, citing examples of successful hospitals in Abuja and abroad that have benefited from private investment.
“We want to replicate their success,” he stated. “By attracting investments from within the state, outside the state, and internationally, we can emulate the achievements of medical tourism seen elsewhere and establish Benue as a medical tourism hub.”
The CMD explained that the summit, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will feature a medical scientific exhibition showcasing a range of medical equipment.
The theme of the event, “Attaining a One-Stop Hospital,” reflects the goal of providing comprehensive, high-quality care and treatment for all medical needs, from head to toe.
He stressed the importance of collaboration, urging the private sector, diaspora communities, NGOs, philanthropists, and the government to work together to achieve these goals.
The summit will address the concept of a one-stop hospital and unveil plans for an ultra-modern cancer centre.
Dr Hwande lamented the perception of cancer as a death sentence in Nigeria, contrasting it with other countries where tumour markers and early detection have significantly improved cancer survival rates.
“Early detection means curability,” he emphasised. “We want to implement early predictors, regular evaluations, and change the narrative of cancer management in Benue State and the North Central region.”
He announced that the summit will also launch an endowment fund to raise N5 billion for the cancer centre. Governor Hyacinth Alia, former Governor Gabriel Suswam, and other individuals who have contributed significantly to BSUTH’s development will be recognised as ambassadors during the event.