Health

Maiduguri residents lament as UMTH marks 40th anniversary

As the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) marked its 40th anniversary, Maiduguri residents have expressed concerns over the milestone event at the weekend.

One of the aggrieved residents, Bulama Alibe, told Nigerian Tribune that he doesn’t view the 40th anniversary of UMTH as a cause for celebration adding that “despite the hospital’s affiliation with the federal government, access to medical services remains a challenge for the people of Borno”.

“Medical services at UMTH are too expensive for the average Nigerian. The consultation fee alone is prohibitive for many of us,” Alibe explains.

“Without money, you don’t get attention at UMTH. To me, it’s no different than private hospitals,” he added.

Alibe further elaborated that residents in Gwange, Ngomari Gana, and Mairi, all in the vicinity of UMTH, are compelled to seek medical attention at state special hospitals. He urged the Federal Government to bring this to the attention of UMTH management, advocating for reduced consultation fees and other medical expenses to make healthcare more accessible.

Maina Kaka, another resident, expressed concerns about insufficient electricity and other basic amenities at UMTH. “The current situation at UMTH compromises patient care. Ward lighting is often absent, especially at night.”

Kaka also shed light on the personnel issues, “Experienced doctors are often unavailable to patients with non-critical illnesses; this has led to many issues. People are hesitant to visit UMTH, as student doctors mostly attend to them.”

Amina Garba, a civil servant, acknowledged the celebration of UMTH’s 40th anniversary due to its local significance, but highlighted her struggles. “I have a patient here, and I pay N3,000 daily for bed fees, not to mention other expenses. It’s not easy.”

Garba added, “Even with a hospital in our area, many can’t avail its services, so we resort to state specialist hospitals where everything is more affordable than at UMTH.”

On the other hand, the Chief Medical Director, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, acknowledged some of these concerns during his address at the 40th anniversary of UMTH.

He pointed to the ongoing extensive expansion and the inadequate electricity supply as significant challenges. In response, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company has constructed a 7.5MW substation.

“Management has also completed a solar power supply facility for critical areas and enhanced Information Technology service departments. Some departments in the hospital are networked and are reaping the benefits of the new facility,” he added.

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