Abayomi Susan
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has unveiled major infrastructural and service upgrades aimed at improving patient care, expanding specialist services and providing safer and more dignified healthcare.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, disclosed this during a facility tour with stakeholders, where several renovated, upgraded and newly expanded facilities were inspected.
Among the projects unveiled were a 65-bed Accident and Emergency complex, renovated security facilities, an expanded mortuary increased 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.
Other facilities include a geriatric ward, 160-slice CT scan, Special Investigation Unit, dental and oncology centres, as well as upgraded theatre facilities.
Ize-Iyamu said the projects were designed to provide patients with safe, dignified and world-class healthcare, noting that UBTH continues to offer a wide range of specialist services, including neurosurgery, oncology, dentistry, ophthalmology and renal care.
The CMD reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare regardless of patients’ age, gender, tribe, religion or social status, stressing that “sickness knows no boundaries.”
She also announced plans to extend healthcare services to underserved communities through the hospital’s comprehensive health centre at Udo, where about 5,000 people are expected to benefit from free medical services, including cataract surgery and other treatments.
Ize-Iyamu added that a new dental centre equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities would also be commissioned at the Udo centre.
She appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, donors, staff and other stakeholders for their support, assuring that the hospital would continue to improve its facilities and patient experience.
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 the achievements recorded within her first year in office.
Kachollom, who unveiled the Special Investigation Unit and other projects, praised the CMD for what she described as prudent management, visionary leadership and efforts to strengthen infrastructure and clinical services.
She described Ize-Iyamu as a “beacon of hope” and “trailblazer,” noting that her achievements as the first female CMD of UBTH demonstrated a strong 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 and urged UBTH staff and stakeholders to continue supporting the CMD in fulfilling the hospital’s mandate.
