Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has called for continuous improvements aimed at enhancing both patient care and staff welfare.
Senator Banigo noted this during her visit to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in Rivers State, where she conducted an oversight of ongoing capital projects.
Speaking during the inspection, Senator Banigo expressed satisfaction with the progress made on several key infrastructure developments noting that the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) building is 88% complete and already in use, though it still awaits painting and some final furnishings.
“We are happy to see the EMT building almost complete and functional. Once the remaining finishes are done, it will be fully operational.” She said.
She revealed that the construction of the staff quarters, including the house officers’ residence and basic nursing complex, is 60% complete and expected to be ready by 2024, improving accommodation and working conditions for medical staff.
Highlighting the internal road construction within the hospital which has been challenging due to the waterlogged terrain, the senator expressed optimism that the work would be completed successfully, improving access within the hospital.
Senator Banigo encouraged the hospital management to consider utilizing the available land for agricultural purposes, suggesting that rice farming could thrive in the hospital’s fertile grounds.
“The land is well suited for farming, and this could be a sustainable way to generate additional resources,” she noted.
She urged that all the projects nearing completion ranging from 70% to 88%—should be fully functional by 2024, adding that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) had committed to a general upgrade of the hospital’s environment.
“The CMD has done well since he came in. Many more departments have been accredited for training medical students and residents. There is still room for improvement in the hospital’s environment. A more appealing setting will attract more patients and create a better working environment for our staff,” she noted.
Additionally, the senator was also full of praise for the hospital’s efforts to provide decent housing for staff members, acknowledging that proper accommodation is crucial for those who work long hours.
On power supply, she emphasized that steady power is essential for the smooth running of healthcare institutions expressing her confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s recent pledge to provide free electricity tariffs to public health institutions across Nigeria.
Senator Banigo also took the opportunity to encourage the hospital staff, commending their dedication and professionalism. “We have highly trained and motivated health workers in UPTH. It is crucial that we provide them with the necessary support and conducive work environments so they can continue the great work they are doing,” she said.
