FG hails UBTH CMD’s healthcare reforms

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Federal Government has commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, for her commitment to improving healthcare delivery through investments in critical infrastructure.

The commendation was contained in a speech by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, delivered by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, during a facility tour and commissioning of projects at UBTH on Tuesday.

Kachollom described the projects as evidence of visionary leadership and a commitment to advancing quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria, while urging the hospital management to sustain the momentum.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ugbodaga unveiled the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), one of more than 12 projects completed under the current administration of the hospital.

The projects include a modern police post, expanded Accident and Emergency waiting area, mortuary complex, Multi-Faith Centre, Renal Premium Ward, gas plant, geriatric library and lounge, as well as a 160-slice CT scan facility.

Other facilities are a contemporary dentistry complex, advanced oncology centre and a pantry adjoining the main operating theatre.

The Permanent Secretary said the new facilities would strengthen UBTH’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare services while improving the working environment for medical personnel.

She said the Federal Government recognised the importance of modern infrastructure in strengthening tertiary healthcare institutions and improving healthcare outcomes.

Speaking during the tour, Prof. Ize-Iyamu said the projects were initiated to address critical infrastructural challenges in the over 50-year-old institution.

She noted that several facilities had deteriorated over the years, making infrastructural renewal necessary to improve patient care and service delivery.

The CMD said the upgrades were aimed at enhancing patient experience, strengthening medical services and creating a more conducive environment for healthcare professionals.

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