The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has commenced free medical care for pensioners, a move introduced by Governor Hyacinth Alia to ease access to healthcare for the elderly in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Makurdi, Chief Medical Director (CMD) Dr. Stephen Hwande highlighted the initiative, which ensures certified pensioners receive complimentary healthcare services, including consultations, treatments, hospital cards, and free bed spaces if admitted.
“The pensioners face numerous challenges accessing healthcare,” Hwande stated. “The governor’s intervention aims to alleviate their suffering and provide them with the medical attention they deserve.”
In addition to this initiative, BSUTH celebrated its first successful births through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Two mothers delivered three baby boys at the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, an annex of BSUTH. One of the mothers welcomed twins, while the other had a single baby boy.
Hwande confirmed that all the mothers and their babies are in good health. He commended the hospital’s team for the groundbreaking achievement, which was conducted in eight stages over nine months.
“This marks a major milestone for our hospital,” Hwande said. “We offer one of the most affordable IVF services in Nigeria at a subsidized cost of N400,000, made possible through state government support. Typically, IVF procedures cost around N1.5 million.”
He noted that BSUTH is now one of only three public hospitals in northern Nigeria offering IVF services. Several other women are currently in various stages of treatment under the program.
Hwande expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for prioritizing healthcare development, citing the governor’s allocation of N20 billion to BSUTH as part of the N82 billion earmarked for medical services in the state’s 2025 budget.
The CMD also praised the governor for settling N800 million in unpaid allowances inherited from the previous administration and approving a new salary structure for BSUTH staff to align their earnings with teaching hospitals nationwide.
“This level of commitment will drive progress and elevate healthcare standards in Benue State,” Hwande concluded.
