By Naga Ogbeide
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Wednesday welcomed a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education’s Ministerial Committee on the Advancement of Audiology, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Clinical and Rehabilitative Psychology (NCAOTASTE).
The visit focused on exploring collaborative opportunities to strengthen specialised healthcare services.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo.
Led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Benin, Prof. Christopher Osunbor, the delegation was briefed by the Committee’s Chairman, Dr. Victoria Amu.
Dr. Amu noted that the Federal Ministry of Education is currently considering the establishment of specialised autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
She noted that the proposed centres would require access to healthcare facilities within close proximity to provide essential medical services and professional support.
In view of the proximity of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to the University of Benin, UBTH was identified as a potential healthcare partner for the proposed initiative. The visit therefore provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore a framework for collaboration and assess the hospital’s capacity to support the proposed centres.
In her response, the Chief Medical Director expressed the hospital’s willingness to explore the proposed collaboration, noting that UBTH has relevant facilities, specialised departments and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals whose expertise could support the initiative. She emphasised the importance of assessing existing infrastructure and identifying the specific resources and professional services required to facilitate the establishment and effective operation of the proposed centres.
The engagement also featured a tour of relevant hospital facilities, providing the delegation with an opportunity to assess the available infrastructure and services in relation to the proposed collaboration.
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