The University of Benin Teaching Hospital , UBTH, has revitalized
a 40 years -old Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) in Udo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area, where it targeted 5000 persons for free medical services.
The Hospital in it’s 3 days ‘UBTH Cares’ programme carried out eye surgeries, dental care, tests for cervical cancer, prostate cancer , diabetes among others.
Speaking at the venue of the outreach in Udo, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu, said that the reason for the ‘UBTH CARES’ agenda is to achieve clinical excellence , universal health coverage and advancement.
She maintained that the revitalisation of the CHC, employee welfare and community engagement are the target of the Hospital Management.
Prof Ize-Iyamu stated that UBTH has acquired an 160-slice CT Scan which has significantly enhanced their diagnostic capacity, including in emergency care, oncology, cardiology and neurology, while supporting training, adding
“We have concentrated on strengthening the hospital where it matters most . In clinical care and diagnostics, the acquisition of the 160-slice CT Scan has significantly enhanced our diagnostic capacity, including in emergency care, oncology, cardiology and neurology, while supporting training. We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Government of Japan for this intervention.
“We have strengthened Accident and Emergency services, upgraded our theatres, revitalized the Dental Complex, and improved paediatric services through the reconstruction and upgrading of the Paediatric Outpatient Clinic and restructuring of the Special Care Baby Unit. The ₦2.5 billion Paediatric Complex, supported by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, represents another significant investment in the future of child healthcare at UBTH.
“We have also restored and modernized critical infrastructure. The 10-tonne oxygen plant, previously abandoned and incomplete, is now fully operational. The Mortuary Complex has been comprehensively reconstructed and modernized, while security has been strengthened through a modern Police Post, security assets and improved lighting across clinical areas. We have equally expanded patient-centred services through the modernisation of the Premium Dialysis Room, establishment of the Special Investigation Unit and construction of the Multi faith Centre.” She said.
On personnel training and development, she said, the Hospital has trained more than 100 doctors in July, 2026, while securing approval for the Bachelor of Nursing Science certification for UBTH, alongside key professional accreditations, while
421 people were employed in 2025
“But transformation is not only about infrastructure. A hospital is ultimately defined by the people who deliver its services.
“We have therefore invested in professional development, including the recent training of
more than 100 doctors in July 2026, through the Endometriosis Ultrasound National Capacity Building Programme, and secured approval for the Bachelor of Nursing Science certification for UBTH, alongside key professional accreditations.“Our workforce has also been strengthened, with 421 staff employment opportunities secured in 2025, while staff welfare has remained an important priority.”
On it’s Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) Prof Ize-Iyamu said
“But our mandate does not end at the gates of UBTH. As a federal teaching hospital, we must take healthcare closer to the communities we serve. This is why the revitalisation of our Comprehensive Health Centre, Udo, is particularly important.
“Today, together with our sponsors and partners, we are taking free medical and surgical services directly to the community, targeting 5,000 people, particularly the poor and underserved. We also commission the Dental Centre at CHC Udo, bringing quality oral healthcare closer to the community, with solar power support to strengthen the reliability of service delivery.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Daju Kachollom, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin , Dr Philip Ugbodaga said the visit to the the institution has given her the first hand information on the success recorded and challenges facing the Hospital.
She added that the federal government is strengthening the institution so that it can positively
impact the health of the people it serves.
“My visit to UBTH provides an opportunity to assess, first-hand, the progress being made
in this important Federal Health institution, review its ongoing reforms and interventions,
witness the commissioning of completed projects and see how the Federal Government’s
policies and investments are translating into improved healthcare delivery.
“The significance of what I have seen over these two days lies in this connection: the
Federal Government is strengthening an institution so that the institution can positively
impact the health of the people it serves.” She concluded.
Also speaking , the Iyase of Udo,
His Royal Highness (HRH) Patrick Igbinidu said he was elated over the revitalisation of the Comprehensive Health Centre, Udo , which has been abandoned for a long time, adding that the CMD , Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu is a woman who wants to help Udo Community. ” I know this woman to be somebody who wants to help Udo Community, I am overwhelmed, you can go there and see for yourself, if you know this hospital before, you will know that this place has been overtaken by weeds, but you can see what is happening now. I can only say thank you to the federal government, thank you to the Edo state government and to the CMD.”
