The outgoing Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Darlington Obaseki, has described the COVID-19 pandemic as the most difficult period of his eight years in office.
He spoke to journalists in Benin City while reflecting on his achievements as CMD.
Professor Obaseki said many health workers were afraid to treat patients during the outbreak, but he and his team stayed on duty to meet patients’ needs.
He explained that the COVID-19 period was extremely tough because, apart from the virus, people were still dying from other illnesses. Some hospital workers wanted the facility to shut down, and many stopped coming to work.
“We needed to be strong and brave,” he said. “From the very first day, I went to the COVID-19 ward and the molecular lab every day. I knew leadership meant showing example. While some hospitals closed their doors, we kept working. I believe many people who died during that time did not die from COVID-19 itself, but from lack of care, as fear made some hospitals stop treating patients.”
He said some people wanted certain sections of UBTH to close, but he refused, insisting that the hospital must remain fully open.
Professor Obaseki expressed joy over the installation of a cancer treatment machine in the hospital. Although plans are on to acquire another one, the current machine will start working by September this year.
He denied claims that UBTH’s charges are too high, saying the hospital has not increased its service costs despite rising prices in the country.
On the issue of brain drain in the medical sector, he said the problem can only be solved when Nigeria’s economy improves.
Obaseki also noted that his administration had fully digitized the hospital’s operations, replacing the old manual file system with internet-based processes.
He said one of his proudest achievements was maintaining a good relationship with hospital unions, which prevented strikes throughout his tenure.
The Chairman of the Medical Health Workers’ Union, Comrade Iyobosa Omosigho, praised Obaseki for prioritizing staff welfare.
“For the past seven years, we have had no internal crisis because he cared about the staff,” Omosigho said. “We enjoyed constant promotions and fair treatment. He may not be perfect, but I rate his administration 99.5%.”
