Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande, the Chief Medical Director, is set to hand over the newly built state-of-the-art Drug Collection Center to the Pharmacy Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).
This establishment aligns with Dr. Hwande’s vision of positioning BSUTH as a preeminent medical institution in the North Central region of Nigeria. The inauguration of the Drug Collection Center within the Pharmacy Department at BSUTH in Makurdi has incited enthusiasm and anticipation among the hospital staff.
For decades, the BSUTH grappled with persistent challenges concerning the availability of essential medications and consumables. This shortage frequently necessitated BSUTH to recommend alternative treatments or advise patients to secure medications from distant locations such as Lagos or Abuja.
Dr. Hwande has demonstrated a commitment to addressing this critical issue and improving the accessibility of quality pharmaceuticals within the hospital.
Initially, there existed skepticism regarding his ability to complete the construction of the Drug Collection Center within a three-month timeframe; however, as progress on the facility continued, a sense of optimism began to take root among both internal and external stakeholders.
During the closing ceremony of a recent workshop training, Dr. Hwande announced the successful completion of the project, fulfilling his objective in precisely ninety days. The ensuing enthusiastic cheers and applause were indicative of the profound trust and respect the staff holds for their dedicated leader.
The Drug Collection Center represents the advancement and the ongoing commitment of both Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration and Dr. Hwande to enhance healthcare services within the state and to improve the overall healthcare infrastructure.
The advanced facilities within the Drug Collection Center are expected to bolster the hospital’s capacity to deliver high-quality healthcare services to its patient population.
As the handover approaches next week, the state-of-the-art Drug Collection Center will provide the Pharmacy Department at BSUTH with a modernized and efficient system, thereby optimizing the management and dispensing of medications to patients and enhancing service delivery.
The center will ensure a consistent supply of essential medications and consumables while functioning as a pharmaceutical hub for medical suppliers in and around Benue State as promised by Dr. Hwande.
In preparation for the handover, essential furnishings and televisions are being installed, and the cold room is being outfitted to maintain pharmaceuticals at optimal temperatures for patient use.
Dr. Hwande has been actively involved in transforming the infrastructure and services at BSUTH. He recently secured approval for the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS/CONMESS), which facilitates the allocation of over ₦800 million to settle outstanding staff arrears and has established an Institute of Health and Technology within the hospital, dedicated to educating students in Health Information Management and Bioengineering.
