Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) says it now offers complete In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services for just N700,000.
This is a fraction of the price charged for such services in Abuja and other major cities, where fertility treatment costs between N4 million and N5 million.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Stephen Hwande, said the subsidised IVF programme was attracting patients who would otherwise spend millions in other cities for the same fertility treatment.
Hwande spoke at the BSUTH Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs in Makurdi during an inspection tour by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The team, led by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, is being conducted around completed and ongoing federal and state infrastructure projects across Benue State by the Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode.
Hwande said the hospital now ranks among the few state-owned teaching hospitals offering comprehensive assisted reproductive services in Nigeria.
“I think it is the second or third state teaching hospital in this country that carries out complete fertility services.
“Everything required for fertility treatment is available here. Patients no longer need to travel elsewhere for these specialised services,” he said.
Hwande said the centre provides surrogacy, sperm banking, embryo banking, egg banking and sex selection under one facility.
The CMD said the affordability of the programme has made Makurdi an attractive destination for couples seeking fertility treatment.
“If you want to do IVF in Abuja, there is no way you will not spend close to N4 million or N5 million.
“But here, the service is highly subsidised. You pay only about N700,000, buy a few drugs and receive the same treatment,” he said.
He said many residents of the Federal Capital Territory now find it cheaper to travel to Makurdi than undergo treatment in Abuja.
The CMD disclosed that over N20 billion had been invested in upgrading facilities, equipment, manpower and specialist services in the hospital within three years of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
Hwande said the investments had transformed healthcare delivery through modern infrastructure, improved equipment and expanded specialist services.
He said the hospital had established a molecular laboratory equipped with three PCR machines for infectious disease diagnosis and management.
According to him, the laboratory is supported by an isolation centre capable of diagnosing and treating diseases such as Lassa fever.
Hwande disclosed that a N2 billion cancer centre under construction is expected to serve patients from Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi, where similar facilities are unavailable.
“None of these neighbouring states has a cancer centre. When completed, this facility will serve the entire region,” he said.
He said the hospital had also established a specialised therapeutic centre for children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders.
Hwande added that the centre brings together paediatricians, psychologists, cardiologists, therapists and specially trained teachers to provide multidisciplinary care.
He said the hospital had also expanded postgraduate training for specialist nurses and allied health professionals to reduce dependence on institutions outside the state.
According to him, investments in water supply, electricity and staff welfare have significantly improved healthcare delivery and staff retention.
He said the workforce had increased from about 800 employees to nearly 3,000 to meet the demands of a modern teaching hospital.
Hwande expressed confidence that the ongoing investments would position BSUTH as a leading referral centre for specialised healthcare services in North Central Nigeria.
The CMD said the hospital’s transformation demonstrates how sustained investment in public healthcare can expand access to quality specialist services while reducing treatment costs for ordinary Nigerians.
