The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has urged cancer patients to apply for the hospital’s cancer health fund provided by the Federal Government to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients particularly the indigents.

The Chief Medical Doctor (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, made the call while taking the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, journalists and management staff members on a facility tour as part of activities marking her one year in office.

Facilities inspected include renovated security facilities, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency complex, an expanded mortuary upgraded from 72 to 460 chillers, 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, and improved theatre facilities.

“I just also want to put on record that we have a cancer health fund in which people who have cancer can apply, and if you are approved, there are privileges you enjoy, though it’s not for everybody. It’s for indigent patients who are battling cancer.

“One of the goals of the Federal Government is to make certain treatments available for the poor, and if you qualify, a fund and a wallet is given to you on which you can access your cancer treatment in the university,” she said.

The CMD said that the extensive infrastructural and service upgrades undertaken by her administration was to improve patient care and experiences.

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

She 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.

As part of the one year anniversary, the CMD also announced plans to extend its impact to 5,000 people with free medical services at the UBTH comprehensive health centre at Udo community.

According to her, a new dental centre equipped with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray facilities will also be commissioned at the centre.

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

On the part of Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, 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.

She 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.