The Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, Dr. Elaigwu John, has stressed the need for teaching hospitals in the country to be well-equipped to meet academic, clinical, and research demands.
The monarch also placed a direct and urgent call on the Federal Government to significantly scale up its intervention, funding, and project acceleration at the Federal University Health Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, to enable the institution to fully meet the standards expected of a modern teaching hospital.
The appeal formed the core of a statement issued by the monarch during a visit to the facility on Wednesday. He was accompanied by palace officials and hosted by the Chief Medical Director, Professor Teddy Agida, and conducted a thorough tour of wards, diagnostic units, equipment, and ongoing construction projects.
According to the statement, the monarch acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in establishing and supporting the health institution; however, he stressed the need for more funding.
The Och’Idoma stated, “Nonetheless, given the increasing patient load and expanded academic mandate, more federal intervention, funding, and accelerated completion of key projects are urgently required to meet teaching hospital standards.”
While emphasizing the primacy of federal responsibility, the ruler also commended the initiative of Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, a son of the Idoma Kingdom, whom he described as a leading private supporter of the hospital’s development. The monarch noted that, beyond personally funding the construction of the new Amenity, VIP Ward, Obla had earlier financed the establishment of the Kidney Centre at FUHTH, which is now fully functional and widely adjudged as one of the best renal care facilities in the country.
He described these interventions, together with other renovation and construction efforts supported through Obla’s foundation, as noble, patriotic, and worthy of emulation, underscoring the vital role of individual and private sector contributions in bridging immediate gaps.
The monarch further underscored the academic essence of FUHTH, calling for clinical skills and simulation laboratories, lecture theatres and seminar rooms, a medical library with an e-learning centre, and residency and call rooms for doctors and nurses to ensure hands-on training, academic excellence, research advancement, and staff welfare.
“These facilities are essential not only for quality patient care but also for the effective training of future doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals,” the Och’Idoma asserted. “A teaching hospital must be fully equipped to meet academic, clinical, and research demands.”
Teaching hospitals in Nigeria play a crucial role in providing quality healthcare services, training medical students, and conducting research to improve health outcomes.
These hospitals serve as hubs for medical education and training, equipping future healthcare professionals with hands-on experience and expertise.
By investing in the development of teaching hospitals, experts say Nigeria can enhance its healthcare system, improve patient care, and increase access to specialized medical services.
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