Abuja: Prof. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), on Wednesday listed the institution's achievements in medical care, research, and education at a news conference marking the institution's 50th anniversary in Ile-Ife, Osun. He emphasized the contributions of the hospital in training medical personnel and their impact on healthcare in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the hospital has been pivotal in shaping the medical landscape of the country. The celebration's theme, 'Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present, Shaping the Future,' aims to spotlight the institution's legacy. Prof. Okeniyi highlighted the hospital's role as a major player in national development and its status as one of the foremost tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The CMD noted that the hospital has produced skilled professionals who excel globally, including nurses, physicians, dentists, and physiotherapists.
Prof. Okeniyi also underscored the hospital's achievements in providing free treatment for blood cancer like leukaemia and its unique capability in offering primary, secondary, and tertiary care simultaneously. He stated that OAUTHC is a leading centre of excellence in tertiary care, having pioneered renal transplantation and being the only tertiary hospital conducting routine open-heart surgeries. The hospital excels in laparoscopic surgery and provides comprehensive dental training across Nigeria.
He further elaborated on OAUTHC's achievements, highlighting its role as the only institution consistently performing open-heart surgeries, particularly for children with congenital heart disease. The CMD noted that the World Health Organisation has recognized OAUTHC as a centre of excellence in newborn care. Collaborations with the Royal College of Paediatrics in London for child development were also mentioned, along with the hospital's distinction of having the largest paediatric surgical centre in Nigeria and West Africa.
Prof. Okeniyi praised the institution's pioneering efforts in vaccine development, particularly the measles vaccine, and emphasized the hospital's extensive postgraduate training programs. He lauded the Federal Government for its leadership and financial support, particularly its allocation of over N20 billion for capital projects, which he assured would be used effectively. The CMD also appreciated the staff's dedication, stating that the hospital functions at 90 percent efficiency in service delivery.