The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has commissioned a state-of-the-art 160-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scan and other upgraded facilities as part of efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism in the country.
The facility is expected to enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capacity, improve access to advanced medical services and reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised diagnostic procedures.
The projects, commissioned by the Federal Government in Benin City, include an oxygen plant, Special Investigations Unit, dental and oncology centres, upgraded theatre facilities and the revitalised Dental Complex at Udo.
Speaking during the commissioning, Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital, said the projects were aimed at expanding the hospital’s capacity to provide quality, safe and modern healthcare services to patients.
She said that the facilities inspected and commissioned included renovated security facilities, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency Complex, an expanded mortuary upgraded from 72 to 460 chambers, regular renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic and a revitalised oxygen plant, among others.
According to Ize-Iyamu, the hospital has continued to serve as a one-stop tertiary healthcare institution, providing specialist services in neurosurgery, oncology, dentistry, eye care, renal services and other complex medical needs.
She noted that the newly commissioned dental centre was equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities, adding that the upgrades were part of efforts to improve patients’ experiences at the hospital.
Ize-Iyamu said the need for the infrastructural renewal was particularly important because many of UBTH’s facilities had deteriorated after more than five decades of operation.
‘While the hospital has existed for over 50 years, many of its structures and facilities have fallen into deplorable conditions, making infrastructural upgrades essential.
‘The projects were also driven by the need to provide patients with safe, dignified and world-class healthcare services,’ she said.
She added that the upgrades were intended to reposition UBTH as a clinically excellent, technologically enabled and people-centred institution capable of responding effectively to the changing healthcare needs of Nigerians.
Ize-Iyamu also reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to patients irrespective of their age, gender, tribe, religion or social status, noting that sickness knows no boundaries.
Other projects inaugurated included a modern police post, expanded Accident and Emergency waiting area, sophisticated mortuary complex, Multi-Faith Centre and a specialised Renal Premium Ward.
Commissioning the projects, Daju Kachollom, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, commended the management of UBTH for its efforts to improve healthcare delivery at the hospital and the Comprehensive Health Centre in Udo.
Kachollom, who was represented by Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, said the visit provided an opportunity to assess ongoing reforms, inspect completed projects and evaluate the impact of Federal Government investments on healthcare delivery.
She stressed the importance of qualified personnel and adherence to professional standards in sustaining the gains recorded in the health sector.
‘The developments at UBTH and Udo demonstrate how the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is being translated into practical improvements in healthcare delivery’, she added.