The University of Benin Teaching Hospital says its Cancer Treatment Center is now fully operational and equipped to provide advanced radiotherapy and diagnostic services.
Chief Medical Director Idia Ize-Iyamu disclosed this in Benin during the commissioning of a new ambulance donated through the Federal Government.
She described the cancer center as one of the largest and most advanced in Nigeria and said it had reached full operational capacity.
The center is one of three major cancer treatment facilities established with federal support.
Ize-Iyamu said the facility includes a linear accelerator and a 16-slice computed tomography scanner used to map and simulate lesions before targeted radiotherapy.
She said patients who could not afford treatment may be eligible for support through the Cancer Health Fund approved by the Federal Government.
According to the CMD, the funding arrangement could improve access to radiotherapy for low-income patients who would otherwise struggle to meet the cost of treatment.
She described UBTH as a leading cancer treatment centre in the South-South.
The hospital also received a fully equipped ambulance intended to strengthen emergency response and patient evacuation.
Ize-Iyamu described the vehicle as a mobile emergency treatment unit capable of supporting medical interventions before patients arrive at the hospital.
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended the hospital management and said the state would continue to support improvements in tertiary healthcare delivery.
He also called for additional federal investment in UBTH because of its strategic location and regional importance.
The hospital said the combination of advanced cancer equipment, emergency transport and federal support would improve its ability to manage complex cases and expand access to specialized treatment.
