13th January, 2025
Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) stands at the forefront of a remarkable transformation under the dynamic leadership of Chief Medical Director Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande. Since his assumption of office on October 17, 2023, Dr. Hwande has embraced a visionary approach that encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of medical facilities, patient care standards, and staff welfare, establishing BSUTH as a beacon of excellence in healthcare delivery in Benue State and beyond.
Dr. Hwande’s transformative leadership has initiated a series of significant advancements, with notable examples including the near completion of the state-of-the-art Governor Alia's Intervention Program on Drugs and Hospital Consumables; the establishment of an ultramodern Cancer Center; the BSUTH Mini Waterworks project; and the establishment of a VIP Clinic. These ambitious projects signify not only a commitment to upgrading healthcare facilities but also emphasize the importance of providing specialized care for patients, addressing critical needs in Nigeria and beyond.
The visionary initiatives of Dr. Hwande underline the collaborative spirit of governance, executed in partnership with His Excellency Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Their combined efforts have fostered an environment where innovation in healthcare can thrive, reinforcing the notion that BSUTH is striving to meet global healthcare standards. The ongoing beautification of the hospital further demonstrates this ethos, creating an inviting and modern environment for patients and their families as one of the core values of BSUTH in providing a conducive environment that is, in itself, healing to its patients.
Infrastructural development has been a cornerstone of Dr. Hwande’s strategy. He has prioritized the renovation and expansion of key facilities to significantly accommodate the growing patient population. The acquisition of advanced diagnostic tools—such as MRI and CT scan machines, digital X-ray systems, and automated laboratory analyzers—has greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of medical tests, benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
Dr. Hwande’s commitment to medical specialization has led to the establishment and enhancement of specialized units within BSUTH, including those focused on cardiology, nephrology, orthopedics, IVF, minimal access surgery, and dermatology. These units are staffed with highly trained professionals equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and world-class care.
Moreover, the hospital's emergency services have undergone significant improvements under his guidance. The Accident and Emergency department has been upgraded to operate 24/7 with modern facilities, ensuring prompt responses to medical emergencies—a vital service in any healthcare institution.
The extensive list of accomplishments also includes tangible improvements such as the installation of solar panels and batteries, renovations of critical units including the molecular laboratory, upgrading the psychiatric department to a Mental and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre, and the introduction of essential medical technologies for surgical and diagnostic purposes.
Just to mention a few, there is the commencement of full clinical activities at Muhammadu Buhari Mother & Child Hospital; the introduction of advanced specialized clinical services like the IVF theatre; in vitro fertilization (IVF) staff training and procedures; installation of eco-friendly and smokeless incinerators; and the establishment of the BSUTH Institute of Health and Technology, which includes a School of Post-Basic Nursing and an Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases. These enhancements demonstrate Dr. Hwande’s commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that BSUTH can meet contemporary health challenges effectively.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Hwande has prioritized human resource development, recognizing that a motivated and well-trained workforce is key to delivering high-quality healthcare. Initiatives to recruit specialists and enhance training programs for both medical and non-medical staff have been crucial in achieving this goal. The recruitment of over 700 new staff members has significantly bolstered the hospital's capacity to provide quality care while addressing critical shortages in various medical fields.
Furthermore, Dr. Hwande's emphasis on staff welfare has fostered a supportive environment for healthcare professionals. Collaborating closely with the Governor Alia’s administration, he has overseen the timely payment of salaries and other benefits, alleviating the financial burdens faced by hospital staff and promoting a culture of commitment to patient care.
In addition, the timely approval and release of ₦398,568,662 for the upward review of CONHESS/CONMESS monthly payments further demonstrate the Governor's unwavering intent to ensure that healthcare workers are fairly rewarded and compensated promptly. The combined effort for the payment of the arrears amounts to an impressive total of ₦1,005,496,729.76, which undoubtedly represents a substantial investment in the state's healthcare system.
Dr. Hwande has also established a patient feedback system, allowing patients to voice their experiences and suggestions for improving service quality. This initiative reflects his belief in the importance of patient-centered care and his desire to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the community.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Hwande’s strategic vision includes medical tourism, expansions in telemedicine, preventive healthcare, and continued enhancement of hospital facilities. His roadmap emphasizes the importance of securing increased government funding and forging public-private partnerships to sustain and accelerate the hospital's growth and service delivery improvements.
In conclusion, Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande's leadership has not only revolutionized healthcare delivery at Benue State University Teaching Hospital but has also instilled hope and trust in the community. His unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care has positioned BSUTH as a model for other health institutions across Nigeria. The impact of his work will resonate for generations, serving as an inspiration for future leaders in healthcare and a testament to what can be achieved when passion and purpose align in the service of humanity. The ongoing evolution at BSUTH stands as a beacon of what innovative leadership can accomplish in addressing the health needs of society.
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