UBTH Cancer Centre Fully Operational for Indigent Patients

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Cancer Centre is now fully operational, offering advanced cancer treatments, including radiotherapy for indigent patients, as stated by Chief Medical Director Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu. This announcement was made on Monday during the reception of a newly donated ambulance from the Federal Government, aimed at strengthening emergency medical response at the hospital.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu described the ambulance as a “walk-in theatre,” facilitating critical interventions for accident and trauma victims during transport to the hospital. The cancer centre is equipped with modern technology, including a linear accelerator (LINAC) and a 16-slice CT scanner for simulating patients’ lesions before targeted radiotherapy.

The centre is operational, with patients already receiving treatment. Prof. Ize-Iyamu noted that the Federal Government’s Cancer Health Fund allows poor patients to access radiotherapy at UBTH, significantly reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment.

She acknowledged the support of Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, President Tinubu, and other stakeholders in establishing the centre and ambulance.