Kind-hearted Nigerians have been called upon to assist the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, to achieve effective healthcare delivery.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, made the call on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Professor Otegbayo stated this at a press conference to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the hospital.
The chief medical director said it is not possible for government alone to provide all the needed funds and infrastructure to adequately address the needs of the hospital.
He, therefore, urged wealthy Nigerians, corporate and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to consider the UCH as a point where their generosity can be extended.
Otegbayo said that the mission of the founders of the hospital is to build a world-class medical service provider through the support of stakeholders.
He also called for the expansion of health insurance scheme to cover more ailments and services to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
He, however, emphasised that UCH had witnessed tremendous advancement in medicine, technology and patient care over the years.
The CMD further noted, that as part of its security improvement measures, the health facility had bought walkie-talkies to enhance communication and installed CCTV cameras all over the hospital and residential areas.
“Also, the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies recognised the hospital management for recording low mortality rate in the care of newborn in the hospital.
“UCH, being a trailblazer launched its adult immunisation policy in collaboration with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, the first of its kind in any teaching hospital in Nigeria.
“There is TETFUND-assisted construction and equipping of post-basic nursing schools, which is 100 per cent completed and awaiting commissioning.
“Also, there is construction, equipping of the extension of the Radiation Oncology building, including a bunker for a linear accelerator machine donated by Pastor Bayo Olugbemi and will be commissioned in December.
“Among other achievements, the hospital also bagged the outstanding tertiary healthcare of the year award and recently produced the first Geriatric Pharmacist in Nigeria, who is currently heading the Geriatric Pharmacy unit.”
The CMD said that the hospital had challenges too, including incessant power cut, high cost of diesel, insufficient water supply, overhauling of the old decaying sewer system and staff shortage.
“As we celebrate this 66 anniversary, let us not only reflect on the past but also look forward with optimism, embracing the opportunities to further enhance our services.
“We should also expand our reach and continue the legacy of compassionate care that defines our hospital.
“The achievements of today are not just markers of time, they are the result of collective passion, perseverance and shared commitment to excellence.
“As we look to the future, let the successes of the past fuel our aspirations,” Otegbayo said.
