Posted on: Tue 24-02-2026

The Edo State Branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has ceded aspects of its clinical operations to private interests.

The association described as misleading a viral post claiming that the hospital’s management had improperly handed over laboratory and mortuary services to private operators.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, and made available to journalists in Benin on Sunday, the Edo NMA urged the public to disregard insinuations of mismanagement and alleged privatisation of core hospital services.

“The Edo State Branch of the Nigeria Medical Association is aware of recent social media posts concerning clinical and administrative operations at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH),” the statement read.

 

Fee hike sparks public outcry

The clarification comes amid growing public concern over a significant upward review of service charges at the tertiary facility, with some fees reportedly increased by over 100 per cent.

Under the current management led by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the admission deposit for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been raised from N500,000 to N1,000,000 — representing a 100 per cent increase in the cost of accessing critical care services.

The development was conveyed in an internal memorandum dated January 30, 2026, issued by the Office of the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), approving an upward review of ward consumables and admission deposits across the hospital.

According to the memo, the review was necessitated by prevailing funding realities and the need to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the maintenance and procurement of medical consumables.

Under the revised structure, ICU admission now requires a N1,000,000 deposit, while the Labour Ward Complex deposit is pegged at N200,000.

Other new deposits include N150,000 for medical wards, N200,000 for private wards, N100,000 for day-case admissions, N150,000 for orthopaedic wards, N200,000 for neuro wards, and N150,000 for obstetrics and gynaecology wards.

Ward consumables have also been reviewed upward, with patients in the Labour and Emergency Complex to pay N20,000 per week, while those in ordinary wards will pay N15,000 weekly.

Hospital management said the adjustments are aimed at ensuring sustainable operations and improving service delivery.

However, the increases have triggered criticism from residents, many of whom took to social media to express concerns over affordability and allegations of creeping privatisation, particularly at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit.

 

NMA defends dual-track laboratory model

Addressing the controversy, the NMA said the engagement of a private laboratory at the A&E unit was designed to complement — not replace — existing diagnostic services.

“Since assuming office about six months ago, Prof. Idia Ize Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director, has made uninterrupted quality care her operational priority. The Nigerian Medical Association supports this model for several reasons,” the statement noted.

According to the association, the dual-track arrangement guarantees 24-hour testing, particularly during equipment downtime or supply chain disruptions, strengthens internal quality control through cross-checks, and mirrors models already operational in several federal hospitals nationwide.

The NMA maintained that the approach does not contravene directives of the Federal Ministry of Health, but rather aligns with national policies encouraging public-private collaboration where it enhances service continuity.

Dr. Oseghale stated that laboratory turnaround time remains a critical bottleneck in emergency care.

“By having two accredited facilities on site, UBTH reduces delays, improves diagnostic accuracy, and frees clinicians to focus on treatment rather than logistics,” he said.

He added that the association would continue to monitor hospital practices and engage constructively with management and stakeholders in the interest of Edo residents.

“Quality health care thrives on facts, not on rumours, emotions, or politics. We stand solidly with UBTH’s management and staff in their efforts to deliver reliable, continuous services,” Oseghale said.

Also clarifying the issue, the hospital’s Head of Public Relations and Information Unit, Osaretin Iyen, said the private laboratory service at the A&E unit was introduced strictly to augment capacity and efficiency.

He emphasised that the facility operates alongside UBTH’s core laboratory services and does not supplant them.

As debates over rising healthcare costs and public-private partnerships intensify, stakeholders say transparency, affordability, and sustained government funding will remain central to maintaining public confidence in tertiary healthcare institutions.

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