From: Tony Osauzo, Benin-City
Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed worry over the inadequate modern health facilities at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
He stressed that the absence of modern facilities coupled with incessant strike actions by health workers at the hospital could hamper early detection and treatment of various ailments. including cancer.
The Oba stated this when he played host to the minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in his palace in Benin-City.
The royal father hinted that the situation at various levels in the health sector in the country has hindered many rural dwellers from accessing health care.
He therefore, appealed to the federal government to address the recurring problems in the sector, especially in the area of workers salaries and adequate facilities.
The Benin Monarch further charged the minister and management of the UBTH to be objective in the selection of a professionally-qualified candidate as the next Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the tertiary health institution rather than playing politics that could be inimical to the people’s welfare.
Earlier, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole told the Oba that he was in Benin to commission projects executed by the management of UBTH as well as to solicit the royal father’s blessings.
The minister who hailed the Oba’s innovations and reformation agenda in the country, disclosed that he was developing a master plan to reposition UBTH as one of the best in the country.
A total of 11 projects were commissioned at the UBTH by the minister.