By Raphael Okhiria

It was commendations galore on Tuesday at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), when the management team and staff of the tertiary health institution rolled out the drums to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu’s one year in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu received many paths on her back for a job well done; as the combined team from the federal and state health ministries struggled to go round the several developmental projects executed in a short time of one year.

Facilities inspected include renovated security facilities, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency complex, an expanded mortuary upgraded from 72 to 460 chambers, a multi-faith centre, premium and regular renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic, a revitalised oxygen plant, a geriatric ward, a 160-slice CT scan, a special investigation unit, dental and oncology centres, improved theatre facilities, amongst others.

The CMD said the projects were driven by the need to provide patients with safe, dignified and world-class healthcare services.

She stressed that UBTH remains a one-stop tertiary healthcare institution with specialist services covering neurosurgery, oncology, dentistry, eye care, renal services and other complex medical needs.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all patients irrespective of age, gender, tribe, religion or social status, noting that sickness knows no boundaries.

The UBTH boss also announced plans to extend its impact to underserved communities through its comprehensive health centre at Udo, where 5,000 people will receive free medical services, including cataract surgery and other treatments.

She further disclosed that a new dental centre equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities will also be commissioned at the centre.

While thanking the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, donors, staff and other stakeholders for their support, the CMD assured that UBTH would continue to improve its facilities and patient experience while remaining open to the public 24/7.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Daju Kachollom represented by the Medical Director of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga who performed the unveiling of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), among other projects, commended the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for her remarkable achievements in her first year in office.

Kachollom praised the CMD of the hospital for her prudent management, visionary leadership, and efforts to improve infrastructure and clinical services, describing her as a beacon of hope and a trailblazer as the hospital’s first female Chief Medical Director.

She stated that the achievements recorded within 365 days demonstrated her commitment to transforming the hospital and improving healthcare delivery.

She further urged UBTH staff and stakeholders to continue supporting the Chief Medical Director 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.

The husband of the CMD and a frontline leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and other highly placed personalities in the society were on ground in solidarities with the CMD of UBTH