The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has called on the Edo State Government to establish a strategic partnership aimed at improving healthcare delivery and expanding access to essential medical services across the state.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, made the call on Tuesday, October 27, during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu identified key areas of collaboration, including the establishment of community dental clinics in selected primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across four local government areas, improved management of mass casualty events, infectious disease control and the operationalisation of the state-owned oxygen gas plant in Usen, Ovia South West Local Government Area.
She stressed that expanding access to oral healthcare at the grassroots was essential to addressing the needs of underserved communities across Edo State.
According to her, partnering with UBTH to establish community dental clinics in selected PHCs would strengthen the state’s capacity to provide essential dental services to populations with limited access to specialised healthcare.
She said the proposed initiative would promote collaborative healthcare delivery and ensure that more residents benefit from accessible oral health services.
The UBTH chief also highlighted the importance of coordinated action between the hospital and the state government in responding to mass casualty incidents and strengthening infectious disease prevention and control.
She further emphasised the need to operationalise the oxygen gas plant in Usen to support healthcare facilities and improve access to medical oxygen.
Responding, Oshiomhole thanked the UBTH management for the visit and expressed optimism that the proposed partnership between the hospital and the Edo State Ministry of Health would yield positive results.
He noted that disease surveillance activities were ongoing and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration would improve public health services and reinforce the state’s healthcare system.
The commissioner also expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen the state’s health ecosystem and enhance its capacity to respond to emerging public health challenges.
The proposed collaboration is expected to deepen cooperation between UBTH and the Edo State Government in expanding access to healthcare, improving disease surveillance and strengthening the delivery of essential medical services across the state.
