NMA Defends UBTH's Lab Partnership Amid Mismanagement Claims

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Edo State branch issued a statement defending the laboratory service arrangement between the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and private laboratories. Dr. Eustac Oseghal, the chairman of the Edo State chapter, dismissed social media claims suggesting mismanagement and improper engagement with private laboratories as unverifiable.

He urged the public to rely on credible information. The NMA chair explained that UBTH employs a dual-track laboratory model that ensures 24-hour testing services, even during equipment downtime or supply delays.

This system is designed to strengthen internal quality control and is similar to arrangements already approved by several federal hospitals nationwide. Idia Iz Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, who took office six months ago, has prioritized uninterrupted high-quality healthcare delivery, supporting continuous service improvement and enhancing diagnostic accuracy, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care rather than logistics.