“COVID-19 Was My Toughest Battle Ever – UBTH CMD Obaseki Opens Up”

The outgoing Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, has described the COVID-19 pandemic as the most challenging period of his tenure, ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE.

Speaking to journalists while outlining his achievements in Benin, Prof. Obaseki recalled how fear gripped many health workers, with some reluctant to treat patients.

Yet, he and his management team remained on the frontline daily, attending to patients in the COVID-19 ward and visiting the molecular lab to show leadership by example.

He stressed that during this time, people continued to die from non-COVID-related illnesses, largely due to reduced access to care, as some hospitals shut their doors out of fear.

He firmly resisted calls to close sections of UBTH, insisting that every unit remain functional. “We cannot close this hospital down. Leadership means sending the right signals,” he stated.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, he admitted that his stance made him unpopular among some colleagues, but he remained resolute in ensuring uninterrupted medical services.

Highlighting other achievements, Obaseki celebrated the installation of a cancer treatment machine at UBTH, which is expected to become operational by September, with plans underway to procure an additional unit.

He dismissed claims that hospital fees are exorbitant, explaining that while the cost of living in Nigeria has increased, UBTH has not raised service charges.

On the issue of brain drain in the health sector, the CMD maintained that the challenge could only be addressed by improving the nation’s economy.

He also noted the hospital’s transition to digital operations, replacing cumbersome paper-based processes with internet-connected systems.

Obaseki expressed pride in maintaining a harmonious relationship with staff unions, a feat he believes contributed to UBTH’s eight-year strike-free record under his leadership.

Comrade Iyobosa Omosigho, Chairman of the Medical Health Workers’ Union, praised the CMD for prioritizing workers’ welfare through consistent promotions and conversions.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, Obaseki leaves office feeling fulfilled, confident that his administration set a high standard for service delivery, staff welfare, and crisis management in one of Nigeria’s foremost teaching hospitals.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”