Professor Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has lauded the Bola Tinubu administration for its significant contributions to the Nigerian healthcare sector, specifically highlighting the installation of a vital Radiotherapy Machine at the hospital.
Professor Obaseki made the remarks on Friday while hosting the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo Council, at UBTH. He emphasized President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of Nigerians, citing the Radiotherapy Machine as a tangible example of this dedication.
“We have been advocating for this,” Professor Obaseki explained. “There is no Radiotherapy machine in any government hospital in the South-South, except for one in a private hospital in Calabar. I have been advocating, and fortunately, this new minister and president deserve credit for making it happen.”
The installation of this crucial equipment marks a turning point for cancer treatment accessibility in the region. Professor Obaseki pointed out that this facility, previously unavailable in South-South government hospitals, is now being established under the direct directive and supervision of the President.
Professor Obaseki further stated, “This government, under President Bola Tinubu, has provided more healthcare funding than any other in recent times.” He clarified that this assertion was “the honest truth and not a political statement.”
He elaborated, “The health budget this year is massive across all hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and its agencies.” He assured that the positive impact of this increased funding would soon be apparent, with UBTH already benefitting from the support.
Beyond funding, Professor Obaseki drew attention to the challenges posed by UBTH’s strategic location, leading to a high daily influx of patients and placing significant demands on the hospital’s workforce. He cited the current ratio of 750 nurses caring for 491 patients as an illustration of the heavy workload borne by the hospital staff.
Looking to the future, Professor Obaseki advised that the selection process for the next CMD should prioritize candidates with proven track records and demonstrable contributions to UBTH. He stressed the importance of choosing a leader capable of building upon existing achievements and propelling the hospital towards further growth and development.
Earlier in the visit, Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the NUJ, commended Professor Obaseki for his leadership and initiatives that have elevated UBTH’s reputation on a global scale, particularly highlighting the success of the hospital’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Alenkhe also praised the strong and collaborative relationship between the NUJ and UBTH management, urging for its continued fostering.
