UCH Strengthens Commitment to Pain Management in 2026

The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan has renewed its commitment to effective pain management and palliative care, ensuring that no patient endures avoidable pain. This commitment was articulated during the Hospital-Wide Grand Round organized in collaboration with the Department of Hospice and Palliative Care to commemorate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026, themed “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.” Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of UCH, represented by Prof. Bukola Adesina, emphasized that pain management is central to medicine, particularly when curative treatments are no longer viable.

He highlighted that pain encompasses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions, urging healthcare professionals to recognize avoidable suffering as a human rights issue. Dr. Yetunde Oloyede noted that many patients experience multifaceted pain, while Emeritus Samuel Omokhodion stressed the importance of integrating spiritual care into palliative services.

UCH aims to enhance access to essential analgesics and train more healthcare workers in palliative care.