By Donald Kumun
Happenings in and around qualitative healthcare delivery services, has proved that, His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, made no mistake in appointing Dr. Terungwa Hwande as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, (BSUTH), Makurdi.
Since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), has become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and transformational leadership. The Governor has significantly reshaped the hospital’s trajectory, transforming it into a beacon of hope and a benchmark for healthcare delivery in Benue State and beyond. His initiatives has been marked by a relentless commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and fostering an environment conducive to medical research and training.
Governor Alia’s leadership is anchored on a clear vision: to elevate BSUTH into a world-class medical institution. His approach combines strategic planning, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the healthcare challenges facing the state in particular, the north central geo-political zone by extension, and Nigeria as a whole. This vision has not only improved patient care but also strengthened the hospital’s reputation towards been a medical center of excellence in Nigeria.
In a spectacular fashion, the Governor, through the instrumentality of the CMD, has pioneered efforts and mobilized all the needed resources to establish the Cancer Treatment Centre in the hospital.
“This new Cancer Treatment Facility is a critical investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Benue State and the surrounding areas,” he said when he visited the site at the hospital.
Upon completion and commencement of services, the centre will offer a range of cancer treatment efforts, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. He therefore, donated and released the sum of N2billion for the immediate take off and success of the establishment.
Infrastructural Development.
One of the Governor’s most notable achievements at the hospital, is the extensive infrastructural development. He prioritized the renovation and expansion of critical facilities to accommodate the growing patient population. The following milestones stand out:
Modernization of Diagnostic Facilities:
Governor Alia, through the CMD, spearheaded the acquisition of State-of-the-Art diagnostic equipment, including advanced MRI and CT scan machines, digital X-ray systems, and fully automated laboratory analyzers. These investments have significantly reduced the turnaround time for medical tests and improved diagnostic accuracy.
Expansion of Specialized Units:
BSUTH has witnessed the establishment and expansion of specialized units, including cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and orthopedics. These units are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring that patients receive world-class care.
Construction of a New Surgical Complex:
Recognizing the need for advanced surgical care, Gov. Alia oversaw the construction of a modern surgical complex. The facility boasts multiple operating theaters, intensive care units (ICUs), and recovery rooms, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to handle complex surgical procedures. This is achieved through the handful of expertise by the Chief Medical Director.
Improved Emergency Services:
The Governor has upgraded the emergency department to a 24/7 operational unit with modern facilities, ensuring prompt and effective response to medical emergencies.
Several other dedicated tangible and intangible milestones attained at BSUTH that needs not to be overlooked include:
Installation of 300KVA solar panel; renovation of isolation unit; renovation of molecular laboratory to meet world standard; renovation of Doctors’ quarters; construction of a dedicated overhead tank for doctors’ quarters; renovation of toilets for public use; water projects; renovation and upgrading of psychiatry department; renovation and re-enforcement of overhead tanks and renovation of GOPD block, respectively.
Other areas that Governor Alia’s magic wand have effectively repositioned are: Renovation of accident and emergency ward; repaired CT scan machine; procurement and installation of two sets of larproroscopy; minimal access surgery staff training; procurement of more equipments; renovation of heamatology/blood bank as well as construction of concrete floor at doctors’ call room.
Repair/refurbished four hospital vehicles; recovery of two hospital vehicles; repair of three dialysis machine; purchase of ECU-110 electrosurgical generators; conducted 2024 promotion examinations; installation of 50KV solar batteries; repair of endoscopy machine/restoration of endoscopy services; renovation of creche; improvement in the supply of reagents and consumables in the laboratories; introduction of E-record at the hospital; renovation and upgrading of the mortuary to world class standard as well as repair, replacement and upgrade of all toilet facilities in the hospital.
Equally , the hospital has gone into collaboration with external agencies to aid its performance; recruitment exercise to enhance manpower in the hospital; deepened her Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); commencement of full clinical activities at Muhammadu Buhari Mother & Child Hospital; introduction of advanced specialized clinical services IVF theatre; invetro fertilization (IVF) staff training; installation of eco-friendly and smokeless incinerators and establishment of College of Community Health, respectively.
The achievements are uncountable but mention surely be made of: successful accreditation visit by Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria; employment of over 400 new staff who are provided with the needed manpower; repair of refrigerator in the mortuary for advanced embalment; evacuation of 74 corpses in the mortuary; purchase and installation of ophthalmic equipments; among others.
Human Resource Development.
From the foregoing, it is obvious that since the Governor came on board, his leadership extends beyond infrastructure to the development of human capital. He understands that a well-trained and motivated workforce is critical to delivering quality healthcare. His efforts in this area include:
Recruitment of Specialists; even as to address the shortage of these specialists, he initiated a targeted recruitment drive, attracting experts in various medical fields. This has not only improved the quality of healthcare but also reduced the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state.
Governor Alia has several times directed the Chief Medical Director to facilitate training programs, workshops, and conferences for medical and non-medical staff to advance their knowledge for optimum productivity.
In the area of improved welfare packages, the Governor has implemented policies to enhance the welfare of employees, including prompt payment of salaries, provision of housing allowances, and access to other benefits.
Recently, the Governor again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce, by releasing funds to clear significant arrears owed to the staff of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, by the immediate past administration. This does not only relieve the financial encumbrances faced by the healthcare professionals, but to also emphasize the importance of investing in the people who are serving the community.
A breakdown of the outstanding arrears which highlights the challenges that have plagued the healthcare sector with noteworthy expenditures include:
2023 Promotion Arrears (13 Months); 2024 Promotion Arrears (1 Month); Relativity Allowances for Honorary Consultants (2 Months); Hazard Allowance Arrears (21 months); Accouterments Arrears (2023–2024); Staff death benefits arrears, respectively.
In addition, the release of ₦398,568,662 for the reviewed CONHESS/CONMESS monthly payments, further demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering intent to ensure that healthcare workers are fairly rewarded and compensated on time.
The combined effort for the payment of the arrears amounts to an impressive total of ₦1,005,496,729.76, which no doubt, represents a substantial investment in the state’s healthcare system. He has effectively addressed the concerns of core civil servants and senior citizens (pensioners), clearing thirty-five months of earned and academic earned allowances for staff of Benue State, among many other significant steps aimed at repositioning the civil service system.
Governor Alia has also ensured that the continuous improvement of a patient feedback system is less stressful by establishing a patient feedback system, at the Teaching Hospital which allows many patients to share their experiences and suggestions on how the management of the Hospital can improve on the quality services that is already existing, portraying the willingness and the desire to keep priotizing the health needs of the people, and having direct feedback of how they are being served by his administration. This is the desire of the Governor to change the narrative of how Government was far away from the people, the mandate owners. The list of the Governor’s achievements at the hospital, are enormous.
Therefore, looking ahead, he envisions further advancements in telemedicine, expansion of hospital facilities, and greater emphasis on preventive healthcare. His strategic roadmap includes lobbying for increased government funding and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge existing gaps.
The Governor’s appointment of Dr. Stephen Hwande, as the Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve in the healthcare sector. Through his unwavering dedication, he has transformed BSUTH into a hub of medical excellence, touching countless lives in the process. His legacy is not only in the structures he has built but also in the hope and trust he has restored in the healthcare system of Benue State.
As his administration continues to chart a new course for BSUTH, one thing is certain: his impact will be felt for generations to come, serving as an inspiration to future leaders in the State, and those in the healthcare sector in particular. His emergence as the 6th democratically elected Governor of the State, is a beacon of hope for what can be achieved when passion meets purpose in the service of humanity.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media.
