The Edo State Branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Sunday refuted a recent social media posts targeting the management and clinical operations of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
A viral posts suggested that the hospital’s leadership had improperly engaged a private laboratory for healthcare services.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Benin by the Edo NMA Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale urged the public to disregard the unverified allegations, suggesting mismanagement and the engagement of a private laboratory in the UBTH.
He said, “We urge the public to treat those unverified and disruptive allegations with caution and to rely on credible, verifiable information.
The Edo State Branch of the Nigeria Medical Association is aware of recent social media posts concerning clinical and administrative operations at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
“Since assuming office about 6 months ago, Prof. Idia Ize Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director, has made uninterrupted quality care her operational priority. The Nigerian Medical Association supports this model for several reasons.
“The dual‑track model guarantees 24‑hour testing even during equipment downtime or supply delays, strengthens internal quality‑control through cross‑checks, and mirrors arrangements already approved in several federal hospitals nationwide.
According to the NMA, this approach does not contravene Federal Ministry of Health directives; it aligns with extant national policies encouraging public‑private collaboration where it improves service continuity.
Dr. Oseghale noted that laboratory turnaround times are a bottleneck in emergency care adding that by having two accredited facilities on site, UBTH reduces delays, improves diagnostic accuracy, and frees clinicians to focus on treatment rather than logistics.
“We recognise Prof. Ize Iyamu’s commitment to strengthening UBTH and her emphasis on transparent leadership. The NMA Edo State Branch continues to monitor the hospital’s practices, and we remain ready to engage constructively with management, staff, and the community in the interest of the health and overall well-being of Edo citizens.
Highlighting the progress made under the leadership of Prof. Idia Ize Iyamu, who assumed office approximately six months ago, Dr. Oseghale said, “it is worth restating that quality health care thrives on facts, not on rumours, emotions, or politics. We stand very solidly with UBTH’s management and staff in their efforts to deliver reliable, continuous services, and we remain committed to safeguarding the health of Edo State residents.”