The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, on Friday, disclosed that in order to curb medical tourism; Nigerian tertiary hospitals need advanced technologies to make diagnosis faster and to treat patients better.
Professor Otegbayo made this known during the press conference to mark the 63rd anniversary of the first tertiary hospital in Nigeria, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The anniversary, which is themed “Happy Staff, Healthy People”, saw the CMD, reveal all that the hospital has been able to achieve in the past year, which include, the launching of a tailoring unit to produce personal protective equipments (PPEs).
The CMD said, “between the period of my assumption of office and now, we have witnessed the commissioning of new innovations, re-development and expansion of our services to the public. “Some of the modest achievements in the last one year include; the renovation and equipping of the main theatre, the intensive care unit, the accident and emergency theatre, universal laboratory, chemical pathology laboratory, departmental offices.
“The radiation oncology department had a new Brachytherapy machine, the former multi-drug resistant building has been converted to a 20-bed capacity infectious disease treatment centre, uninterrupted power supply for the department of radiology, acquisition of Echocardiographic machines for the cardiology unit of the department of medicine, painting the hospital walls with mosquito repellent paint.
“Overhauling of sewer system and water reticulation for the entire hospital, which is still ongoing; UCH customized personal protective equipment and facemasks made by the hospital’s tailoring unit, were launched, acquisition of Otunba Tunwase National Pediatrics Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, a donation from Otunba Subomi Balogun, establishment of Disease Surveilance Unit” Professor Jesse said that although the hospital had achieved and is still achieving a lot, the hospital still faces difficulties such as infrastructural decay, lack of adequate funding and security problems.
Prof Otegbayo, while speaking on the occurrence of a second wave of COVID-19 across the world, disclosed that UCH had no yet recorded such, however the cases recorded are no longer steadily declining. He also added that concerning the suspected cases of yellow fever being discovered across the country, UCH had not yet recorded any case.
The CMD however, called on the government to provide funds for better equipments and for the hospital to be able to address issues concerning ageing infrastructures such as buildings, underground electrical cables, plumbing and water system. This he said, will enable the hospital achieve its mandate better and reduce medical tourism. He however expressed his appreciation to the benefactors of the hospital, from the government of Oyo State, under the watch of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, corporate bodies, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), private individuals and to alumni of the hospital.
The CMD equally showed appreciation to Mr and Mrs Ayeni for the large aerial view portrait of the institute done by NANO FINS which was presented at press conference.
He wished the staff and students a happy anniversary and thereafter admonished the staff to key into the administration’s mantra of “Shared Vision for Excellence”.
In attendance at the conference were top management officials UCH which include; Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) and Director of Clinical Services, Research and Training, Dr Abiodun M. Adeoye; Director of Administration, Mr Stephen Olubusayo Oladejo; Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Juliana Oluyemisi Matthew; Deputy Chairman MAC, Dr Agunloye Atinuke Monsurat.
Others include, Deputy Chairman MAC, Dr Ahmed Oluwatoyin Lawal, Deputy Chairman MAC, Dr Victor Makanjuola; Director of Nursing, Dr Patricia Onianwa, Deputy Director Administration, Mrs Funmi Olaleye an wife of the CMD, Prof. Bolanle Omolara Otegbayo.
