PRESS RELEASE UBTH CLARIFIES ISSUES ON SERVICE PRICE REVIEW, PRIVATE LABORATORY PARTNERSHIP, AND FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE CMD

The Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has noted with serious concern the circulation of misleading, false, and malicious claims aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the hospital and the character of its Chief Medical Director (CMD). In the interest of transparency, public accountability, and to prevent the spread of misinformation, Management hereby sets the records straight as follows:

REVIEW OF PRICES OF HOSPITAL SERVICES
UBTH recently conducted a review of the prices of some hospital services. This review was necessitated by prevailing economic realities, including rising costs of medical consumables, reagents, energy, utilities, equipment maintenance, and service delivery.

The adjustment was carried out strictly in line with due process, relevant government guidelines, and with the sole objective of sustaining quality healthcare delivery without compromising patient safety or standards.

Management reiterates that no price review is undertaken arbitrarily, and all adjustments are made after careful consideration of affordability, institutional sustainability, and the hospital’s mandate as a tertiary healthcare provider.

ENGAGEMENT OF A PRIVATE LABORATORY TO AUGMENT SERVICES
The engagement of a private laboratory partner was done solely to complement and strengthen UBTH’s laboratory services, particularly in areas requiring advanced technology, specialized testing, and improved turnaround time.

This partnership is a globally accepted healthcare model and does not replace UBTH’s laboratory services. Instead, it enhances capacity, reduces service bottlenecks, and improves patient outcomes.

Most importantly, this collaboration was approved through appropriate institutional channels and is guided by transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care.

FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE CMD
Management unequivocally condemns the false, baseless, and malicious allegations circulating against the Chief Medical Director, insinuating extortion of patients and profit-sharing from laboratory services.
These claims are entirely untrue, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis.

At no time has the CMD engaged in extortion, profiteering, or any unethical conduct whatsoever. The CMD has consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in the discharge of her duties.

Management views these allegations as a deliberate attempt to malign the CMD, destabilize the hospital, and undermine public confidence in UBTH. The hospital reserves the right to pursue all lawful means to protect its leadership and institutional reputation against defamatory actions.

CONCLUSION
UBTH remains fully committed to its core mandate of delivering quality, affordable, and ethical healthcare services to Nigerians. Management assures the public, stakeholders, and patients that all decisions taken are in the best interest of healthcare delivery and institutional sustainability.
The hospital urges the public to disregard false narratives, rely only on verified information from official UBTH communication channels, and continue to partner with Management in advancing excellence in healthcare service delivery.

Signed:
Management
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)

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