From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
In a bid to address the challenge of medical tourism, Benue State government has began the construction of Senator Remi Tinubu Ultra-Modern Cancer Centre at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, in Makurdi at estimated cost of ₦14 billion.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia revealed this at the weekend during the closing ceremony of the two-day 2nd International Health Investment Summit and Scientific Exhibition held at BSUTH in Makurdi
Represented by Secretary to the State Government Barr. Serumun Aber, the Governor lamented over the monumental loss amounting to over ₦2.3 billion annually by Nigeria to outbound medical tourism due to inadequate infrastructure and underfunding of medical sector.
Governor Alia stressed the need for the summit to become an annual event to sustain dialogue and innovation in the state’s health sector.
He described the summit’s theme; “Exploring Medical Tourism Potentials at Benue State University Teaching Hospital: Prospects and Challenges,” as timely and visionary, reflecting his administration’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities.
The governor recalled that the maiden edition of the summit in July 2024 led to the establishment of an endowment fund for a cancer centre, stating that his administration was determined to make impact and health care services closer to people of the State.
According to him, the 2025 budget significantly increased healthcare expenditure, while BSUTH has been empowered to employ over 500 professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce unemployment.
Alia explained that his government approved the 2023 salary structure for BSUTH staff, cleared death benefits for deceased workers, and awarded a 230,000-litre per-day water project.
