Tinubu’s administration funding health sector like no other – UBTH’s CMD

By Imelda Osayande

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has provided more funding for the healthcare sector than any other in recent times,” he stated.

Obaseki said this on Friday while highlighting the contributions of Tinubu’s administration to the healthcare sector.

The CND spoke while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo Council, at UBTH in Benin.

He highlighted the president’s commitment to Nigerians’ well-being, citing the installation of a Radiotherapy Machine at the hospital as a clear demonstration of this dedication.

Obaseki noted that such a facility was previously unavailable in the South-South region but is now being installed under the President’s directive and supervision.

“We have been advocating for this. 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.

“This government, under President Bola Tinubu, has provided more healthcare funding than any other in recent times,” he stated.

According to him, this admission is the honest truth and not a political statement.

“The health budget this year is massive across all hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and its agencies,” he pointed out.

He assured that the benefits of this increased funding would soon be evident, with UBTH already making use of the support.

Obaseki also pointed out that the hospital’s strategic location results in a high daily influx of patients, which places more strain on the available staff.

Currently, 750 nurses are responsible for caring for 491 patients, reflecting the heavy workload at the hospital.

He advised that when choosing the next CMD, people should consider the candidates’ track records and past contributions to UBTH.

The next CMD, he stressed, should be someone capable of building on his achievements and further advancing the hospital’s growth.

Earlier, NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, commended Obaseki for initiatives that have placed UBTH on the global map, particularly its 50th-anniversary celebration.

Alenkhe also praised the strong relationship between the union and the hospital management, calling for its continuation. (NAN)