Benin: The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its contributions to the healthcare sector. Obaseki made the commendation 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 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,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the current government under President Bola Tinubu has provided more healthcare funding than any other in recent times. Obaseki mentioned, “The health budget this year is massive across all hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and its agencies.” 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 the strategic location of the hospital, which results in a high daily influx of patients, placing more strain on the available staff. 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.