Nigerian Government Boosts UCTH Healthcare Investments

Professor Ikpem Asany Ikpem, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), commended the Nigerian government's sustained support for healthcare investments. He noted that UCTH serves an estimated population of five million people, including patients from neighboring states and countries.

The government’s support has facilitated the establishment of a stroke center, reactivation of the dialysis unit, and upgrades to the radiology department, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and specialist healthcare services. UCTH is also expanding its urology clinic, renovating the ophthalmology department, and constructing a 150-bed emergency medicine department to strengthen critical care services.

Professor Ikpem emphasized the hospital's management focus on improving the welfare of doctors and healthcare personnel to address workforce shortages caused by previous migration. The overall goal is to position UCTH as a center of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training, and research in Nigeria.