By joshua FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH:
Govt Investment in UBTH translated into practical improvements in healthcare delivery- FMoH
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH), Dr. Daju Kachollom has expressed satisfaction with the quality of healthcare delivery at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) following the commissioning of several landmark projects executed by the Prof. (Mrs) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu administration in the past one year.
The Permanent Secretary, represented by Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga spoke during the free medical outreach at the UBTH Comprehensive Health Center (CHC) in Udo in Ovia South West Local Government of Edo State.
Dr. Kachollom, who commissioned the Dental Centre at UBTH Comprehensive Health Centre in Udo Community and other projects including the Ultra-modern Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in Benin said under the CMD’s leadership, the management is translating the federal government’s mandate into interventions spanning infrastructure, clinical capacity, equipment, workforce development, staff welfare, and the systems that support effective hospital operations.
“As I conclude this part of my official visit, I am impressed by what I have witnessed. Yesterday, I saw the palpable effort to strengthen UBTH as a federal tertiary institution today, here in Udo, I have seen that effort reaching further into the community. From renewed infrastructure and clinical capacity to a revitalized community health centre and direct medical services, the direction is clear. Government policy and investment are being translated into practical improvements in healthcare delivery. “Dr. Kachollom said.
The Permanent Secretary said the community medical outreach is bringing UBTH’s clinical expertise directly to the community through consultations, screening, surgeries, health education, essential medicines, and other services.
In her speech, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate following the acquisition of the 160-Slice CT Scan facility, which has significantly enhanced diagnostic capacity.
The CMD said,” We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Government of Japan for this intervention.
“Your presence here is significant to us. Yesterday and today, you have seen not merely projects but the physical expression of a deliberate effort to make UBTH better for the patient, better for our people, and better equipped to serve Nigeria.
“On behalf of the management and Staff of UBTH, I express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, for their leadership, guidance and support.”Prof. Ize-Iyamu said.
The three-day free medical outreach organised by the UBTH had over 5000 residents who benefited from the exercise drawn from local communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.