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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has unveiled major infrastructural and service upgrades as part of efforts to improve patient care, expand specialist services and provide safer and more dignified healthcare to Nigerians.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, disclosed this during a facility tour with stakeholders at the teaching hospital, where several newly renovated, upgraded and expanded facilities were inspected.
Among the facilities unveiled were a 65-bed Accident and Emergency complex, renovated security facilities, an expanded mortuary upgraded from 72 to 460 chambers, a multi-faith centre, premium and regular renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic and a revitalised oxygen plant.
Others include a geriatric ward, 160-slice CT scan, Special Investigation Unit, dental and oncology centres, as well as improved theatre facilities.
Ize-Iyamu said the projects were driven by the need to provide patients with safe, dignified and world-class healthcare services.
She said UBTH had remained a one-stop tertiary healthcare institution, offering specialist services in neurosurgery, oncology, dentistry, ophthalmology, renal care and other complex medical fields.
The CMD reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all patients irrespective of age, gender, tribe, religion or social status, stressing that “sickness knows no boundaries.”
She also announced plans to extend the hospital’s healthcare services to underserved communities through its comprehensive health centre at Udo, where about 5,000 people are expected to benefit from free medical services.
According to her, the outreach will include cataract surgery and other medical treatments.
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Ize-Iyamu further disclosed that a new dental centre equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities would be commissioned at the Udo 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.
The CMD also said the hospital would remain open to members of the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, commended Ize-Iyamu for what she described as remarkable achievements within her first year in office.
Kachollom, who performed the unveiling of the Special Investigation Unit and other projects, praised the CMD for prudent management, visionary leadership and efforts to improve infrastructure and clinical services.
She described Ize-Iyamu as a “beacon of hope” and “trailblazer” as the first female Chief Medical Director of UBTH.
According to her, the achievements recorded within 365 days demonstrated Ize-Iyamu’s commitment to transforming the hospital and improving healthcare delivery.
Kachollom pledged to submit a comprehensive report, supported by photographic evidence, to the Permanent Secretary for further commendation.
She also urged UBTH staff and stakeholders to continue supporting the CMD 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.
