The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has called for stronger legislative support to consolidate ongoing reforms at the institution... The post UBTH seeks legislative support to upgrade Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system appeared first on Tribune Online .
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has called for stronger legislative support to consolidate ongoing reforms at the institution and improve the capacity of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system to deliver quality and affordable medical services.
The call was made in Benin when the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, led the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Emmanuel Osaigbovo, and other members of the hospital’s management to receive the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Billy Osawaru.
Osawaru, who visited the institution on Friday, August 28, 2026, embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of key facilities within the teaching hospital, gaining firsthand insight into the institution’s operations, ongoing transformation and areas requiring further intervention.
According to the hospital management, the visit was not merely ceremonial but provided an opportunity to examine the challenges confronting one of the country’s foremost tertiary health institutions and explore practical ways of addressing them through legislative action.
During the engagement, UBTH management briefed the federal lawmaker on the institution’s recent achievements, ongoing developmental initiatives and critical areas requiring government and legislative intervention to enhance its operational capacity.
The management also highlighted the need for sustained investment in medical infrastructure, modern equipment and other essential facilities, stressing that strengthening tertiary healthcare institutions remains critical to reducing the burden of medical tourism and improving access to specialised healthcare in Nigeria.
The interactive session further provided an avenue for the hospital leadership to present its priorities to the lawmaker and seek his support in attracting appropriate federal interventions to the institution.
The management emphasised that improved funding and infrastructure would not only enhance patient care but also strengthen the hospital’s capacity for medical training, research and the development of highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Responding to the issues raised during the visit, the lawmaker was expected to leverage his position at the National Assembly to facilitate appropriate legislative and governmental interventions aimed at addressing some of the identified challenges confronting the institution.
The engagement also underscored the importance of collaboration between healthcare institutions and elected representatives in driving sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on treatment abroad.
UBTH management said continued collaboration with stakeholders would remain essential to advancing the institution’s transformation agenda and ensuring that patients, medical personnel and students benefit from improved facilities and a more efficient healthcare environment.
The visit therefore marked a significant step towards deepening the partnership between UBTH and the National Assembly, with both sides recognising the need for strategic interventions to strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery and contribute to the broader development of Nigeria’s health sector.
