Gowon Urges Health Investments 2023
General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), Nigeria’s former president, says continuous investments in the dynamic health sector would help meet Nigerians’ medical demands.
On Friday, Gowon made the claim during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo State, which he had visited as president of state on May 12, 1973.
For the golden jubilee, the retired general and Victoria returned to the hospital. The 360-bed hospital of 50 years ago is now 960-bed.
Gowon advised the health ecosystem to constantly be ready for contemporary medicine.
To fulfill our patients’ complex requirements, we must adapt and innovate. Gowon added, “Let us recommit to quality health care for all Nigerians.”
The Federal Government praised the UBTH for being a major referral center.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, stated the UBTH has become a key center of excellence.
“It’s boosting its cancer treatment reputation. It will soon include cancer therapy assets.”
During the COVID-19 epidemic, the UBTH helped the Edo State Government administer healthcare.
Governor Godwin Obaseki stated that public institutions need sufficient cash for proper healthcare.
Health financing must be prioritized. He remarked, “Government alone can no longer carry the bulk of the cost of providing health care services, particularly when you note that there are now more private providers than public providers like UBTH.”
Nigeria’s sixth first-generation public health tertiary institution is UBTH.
