The management and staff of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) recently celebrated its 2024 Christmas concert and award night.
The event, which showcased the importance of recognising the dignity of labour and staff excellence, was marked with thanksgiving. Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, highlighted the institution’s strides in healthcare delivery over the past year.
“Today is a day to thank God and celebrate our staff for their unwavering dedication and outstanding work,” Prof. Obaseki began.
“From improving hospital equipment to ensuring uninterrupted services, our staff have gone above and beyond in 2024. We’ve treated nearly 300,000 patients and performed over 40,000 surgeries this year, a feat that underscores the depth of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.”
Prof. Obaseki painted a picture of transformation within the hospital, recalling how the management’s vision upon assuming leadership seven years ago was to rebrand UBTH into a healthcare institution synonymous with excellence. “We aimed to change the narrative,” he said.
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“We wanted a UBTH where the market vendor would proudly offer rebates to staff simply because of the hospital’s reputation for professionalism and care,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director also acknowledged the challenges faced in 2024, particularly the economic reforms that have tested the resilience of the hospital’s staff. Yet, despite these hurdles, he noted, the hospital maintained a level of service delivery that ensured patients consistently had access to essential resources such as syringes, drugs, and uninterrupted water supply.
A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of exceptional departments and individuals whose contributions stood out in maintaining the hospital’s standards.
The Electrical Department received accolades for ensuring constant electricity, a critical enabler of the hospital’s operations.
“These awards are a testament to the larger body of work performed by every member of our team,” Obaseki remarked.
“From nurses to pharmacists, doctors to medical lab scientists, and even interns, each one has played an integral role in our success this year. Tonight is about saying thank you for the work you do and encouraging you to achieve even more in the years ahead.”
The night featured musical performances, moments of reflection, and heartfelt gratitude, serving as a reminder of the collective effort behind UBTH’s achievements. As the event drew to a close, the sentiment of appreciation and hope for an even brighter future resonated among attendees.
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