The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, today led a delegation of UBTH Management on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Edo State, Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo.
In her remarks, the CMD congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and briefed him on the recently commissioned UBTH Drug Testing Centre. She also sought areas of collaboration with the Ministry to facilitate drug testing for students in secondary and tertiary institutions across Edo State, in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction. Thereafter, a proposal was presented to the Honourable Commissioner by the DCMAC, Research and Ethics, Prof. Adebola Ehizele, on behalf of UBTH Management.
Responding, the Commissioner commended the the CMD for the initiative and assured UBTH Management of the Ministry’s willingness to explore areas of mutual collaboration. He promised to forward the proposal to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for consideration and the development of the necessary legislative framework to domesticate the Federal Government’s policy in the State. Both parties agreed that drug testing is essential for early detection, intervention and treatment.
Management staff in the Chief Medical Director’s delegation included the CMAC, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo; Director of Administration, Jim Uwadiae, Esq.; DCMAC, Research and Ethics, Prof. Adebola Ehizele; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Grace Arheghan; and Head, Public Relations and Information Unit, Mr. Osaretin Iyen.
The visit underscores the importance of strategic partnership and collaboration between UBTH and the Edo State Ministry of Education in strengthening preventive healthcare initiatives aimed at promoting early detection, intervention and treatment, while contributing to concerted efforts to reduce the menace of alcohol, drug and substance abuse among students and young people in Edo State.
