The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) today, 31 August 2026, commissioned a new state-of-the-art ambulance donated by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda, further strengthening the Hospital’s capacity to provide timely emergency medical care and safe patient transportation.
The commissioning ceremony was performed by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who was warmly received by the Management and staff of the Hospital.
In her welcome remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, welcomed the Deputy Governor and expressed the Hospital’s appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the intervention.
The CMD highlighted the significant investments being made by the Federal Government in healthcare infrastructure, facility upgrades and the provision of essential medical equipment across the country, particularly in strengthening the capacity of healthcare institutions in the South-South region.
She noted that these interventions reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare system and ensuring that healthcare institutions are adequately equipped to provide effective, responsive and quality care to Nigerians.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu described the newly commissioned ambulance as a significant addition to UBTH’s emergency medical services, noting that its provision will enhance the Hospital’s capacity to provide timely care to patients from the point of emergency response through to their arrival at the hospital.
The state-of-the-art ambulance is fully equipped with the essential medical equipment and facilities required to provide emergency care while patients are being transported to the hospital. This allows trained healthcare personnel to initiate and continue appropriate emergency interventions, monitor patients and provide necessary supportive care during transit, thereby helping to bridge the critical period between the scene of an emergency and arrival at the hospital.
“The provision of this ambulance will further enhance the Hospital’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and provide the necessary care and support to patients while in transit, before their arrival at the emergency room,” she said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, expressed his appreciation to the Management and staff of UBTH for the excellent care provided to his mother during her stay at the Hospital. He commended the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the Hospital’s healthcare workforce and acknowledged UBTH’s significant contribution to the provision of quality healthcare to the people of Edo State and beyond.
The Deputy Governor also commended the Management of UBTH for its continued efforts towards improving healthcare delivery and maintaining the Hospital’s position as a foremost tertiary healthcare institution.
He further acknowledged the significant role of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, in advancing interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving the capacity of healthcare institutions across the country.
Speaking on the significance of the ambulance, the Deputy Governor noted that its availability would contribute to more effective emergency response, particularly by enabling patients to receive essential medical attention and stabilisation during transportation before reaching the emergency room or hospital.
The commissioning of the ambulance represents an important investment in pre-hospital emergency care, patient safety, timely intervention and continuity of care. It further strengthens UBTH’s capacity to respond to emergencies and support patients through the critical period preceding definitive hospital-based care.
The Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital expresses its profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for this valuable intervention and acknowledges its continued commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services across the nation.
As UBTH continues to strengthen its infrastructure, enhance its services and improve its emergency response capacity, the Hospital remains committed to providing safe, timely, effective and patient-centred healthcare to the people of Edo State and beyond.
