By Jethro Ibileke
Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has called for improved and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and training of healthcare providers in the country.
This is even as he called for unfettered access to quality affordable medical care for Nigerians.
Gowon made the call on Friday in Benin, at the 50th Founder’s Day ceremony of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
The former Head of State who was Chairman of the occasion with the theme: “Advancing the legacy of quality healthcare,” noted that the hospital has become a beacon of hope for those sick and suffering.
According to him, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, hence the need to adapt and innovate ways to meet the challenging needs of patients.
He, therefore, urged healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to renew their commitments to providing quality healthcare to all Nigerians and synergize to building a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable and equitable to all.
He said: “Let us continue to invest in our healthcare infrastructure, train more healthcare professionals and provide the necessary resources to ensure Nigerians have access to the best medical possible.”
Gowon whose wife, Victoria, cut the tape to commission UBTH 50 years ago, commended the founding fathers, management and staff of the Hospital for their consistent commitment to the growth of the tertiary healthcare facility.
He, however, assured that the Hospital would continue to thrive and serve the people of Nigeria for many more years to come.
“This is a significant milestone not only for the hospital but for the old Midwest, Edo and Delta. This is not only for Edo state but for the entire nation as UBTH has been a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Nigeria since its inception.
“As we look back over the past five decades, we can stride in the tremendous progress that has been made on healthcare in Nigeria, and UBTH has been in the forefront of this progress providing world-class medical care to Nigerians and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“I made a contribution to the building of this hospital and my wife was privileged to officially commission this great institution on the 12th of May, 1973, when I was Head of State. I am proud that UBTH has exceeded our expectations and has become a beacon of hope for those sick and suffering,” Gowon said.
Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, called for a more dynamic and functional model for financing educational institutions in Nigeria through robust partnership with the private sector.
Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, disclosed that in the last 50 years, the hospital had introduced life-saving treatment innovations, cutting-edge medical equipment, modern processes and technology to ensure the provision of health solutions to clients.
