UBTH seeks traditional ruler support to mobilise residents for free medical services

The management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has sought the partnership of the traditional ruler of the Udo community, Ovia South West Local Government Area, in Edo State, to mobilise residents for three-day free medical programmes.

Idia Ize-Iyamu, chief medical director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, courted the support of Patrick Igbinidu, the Iyase of Udo Dukedom.

Ize-Iyamu, represented by Philip Osho, deputy chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) Clinicals, said the three-day-free medical outreach would take place between Tuesday, August 11, 2026 and Thursday, August 13, 2026.

She said that the programme would take place at the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) located in the Udo community.

She added that the visit was to seek blessings, support, and partnership as UBTH prepares for the medical outreach, which aims to provide essential health services to the community.

According to her, I appealed to the traditional ruler of the community to lend his support by mobilising his subjects, community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, religious leaders and all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in the programme.

“We are deeply honoured to be received in your palace today. This visit reflects the high regard that UBTH has for our revered traditional institutions.

“This outreach is part of UBTH’s unwavering commitment to taking quality healthcare beyond the walls of the hospital and bringing essential medical services closer to the people.

“It is in line with our vision of ensuring equitable access to healthcare through community engagement, preventive medicine, early diagnosis, treatment and health promotion.

“During the three-day outreach, our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled healthcare professionals will provide free medical consultations, screening for hypertension, diabetes, eye diseases, Dental Care and other common health conditions.

“The outreach will also encompass health education, counselling, provision of essential medications where applicable, and referrals for patients requiring specialist care at UBTH,” she added.

She noted that the objective is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Udo and neighbouring communities through quality, compassionate and accessible healthcare services.

In his remarks, Patrick Igbinidu, the Iyase of Udo Dukedom, expressed gratitude to the Chief Medical Director of the UBTH for the visit.

The Iyase opined that the CMD’s intervention at the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) signifies development and a new era for the community.

“It’s a new dawn for the Udo community. I am very pleased to witness the development arriving in Udo. I can see hope shining upon Udo Dukedom, and I am especially delighted about the upcoming three-day free medical outreach,” he stated.