The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has urged indigent cancer patients to apply for the Federal Government’s cancer health fund to ease the financial burden associated with treatment.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, made the call during a tour of the hospital’s facilities by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, journalists and members of the hospital’s management.

Ize-Iyamu explained that the programme was designed to support financially disadvantaged cancer patients who meet the eligibility requirements.

She said approved beneficiaries would receive a fund and a dedicated wallet through which they could access cancer treatment at the hospital, stressing that the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to make essential healthcare more accessible to vulnerable Nigerians.

The CMD made the disclosure as she highlighted the improvements recorded at UBTH during her first year in office.

The facilities inspected during the tour included a renovated security complex, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency facility, an expanded mortuary whose capacity increased from 72 to 460 chillers, a multi-faith centre, regular and premium renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic and a revitalised oxygen plant.

Other facilities included a geriatric ward, a 160-slice CT scan, a Special Investigation Unit, dental and oncology centres, as well as upgraded theatre facilities.

Ize-Iyamu said the infrastructure and service upgrades were undertaken to improve patient care and create a safer, more dignified and efficient healthcare environment.

She reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality medical services to Nigerians regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or social status, noting that illness could affect anyone.

As part of activities marking her first year in office, the CMD also announced plans to provide free medical services to 5,000 people at UBTH’s Comprehensive Health Centre in Udo community.

She disclosed that a new dental centre, fitted with two dental chairs, mobile units and X-ray equipment, would also be commissioned at the facility.

Ize-Iyamu expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, donors, hospital staff and other stakeholders for their contributions to the institution’s development.

She assured Nigerians that UBTH would continue to upgrade its facilities and improve patient experience while maintaining round-the-clock services.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, who was represented at the event by the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, commended Ize-Iyamu for the progress recorded during her first year.

Ugbodaga, who unveiled the Special Investigation Unit and other upgraded facilities on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, praised the CMD’s leadership, prudent management and efforts to strengthen infrastructure and clinical services.

He described Ize-Iyamu as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration as the first female Chief Medical Director of UBTH.