Benue Varsity Hospital Plans Modern Cancer Centre

Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has organised an international health investment summit and scientific exhibition of N5 billion Endowment Funds to establish a modern cancer centre for effective treatment.

The chief medical director of BSUTH, Dr Stephen Hwande, who made this known at a media briefing in Makurdi, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for approving over N7 billion for overhauling the hospital for quality, affordable and improved services.

Hwande, who spoke at the exhibition yesterday, explained that launching the N5 billion endowment fund for establishing a cancer unit in the facility and honouring the hospital’s ambassadors would be held today.

The exhibition, which he said was the first of its kind in the state, had the theme “Towards Attaining a One-stop Hospital.”

He said, “We are also going to use that opportunity to do a facility tour with the governor and other dignitaries who will be gracing the occasion. Of specific note, we want to recognise people who have developed this hospital into what it is today and Governor Alia for his plan to upgrade this hospital to compete favourably with others across the globe.

“There is a budget proposal and approval of over N7 billion to revamp this hospital, and processes are on the way to release the funds. Governor Alia is developing the hospital and is interested in ensuring that patients within and outside the state get quality healthcare services at affordable rates,” he said.

While explaining that the fund’s proceeds would be channelled towards establishing a cancer unit at the teaching hospital, Hwande said it would also change the narrative of cancer management in Benue and the North Central.

He also informed that plans are underway to establish a VIP Clinic in the hospital.

The CMD stated the summit’s sub-themes “Demystifying and Domesticating Modern Cancer in BSUTH through Gainful Collaboration” and “Sustainable Health Financing Policies, Opportunities and Financing Options.”