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The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi has taken a major stride in modernizing healthcare delivery with the acquisition and unveiling of an Apheresis machine on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Chief Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, presided over the event, describing the new equipment as a transformative addition that will significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to manage complex blood-related disorders. The machine enables the selective collection and processing of individual blood components—such as white blood cells, red blood cells, or plasma—rather than whole blood, making it a critical tool for treating conditions including sickle cell disease, various cancers, neurological disorders, clotting issues, and bleeding diseases that often cannot be adequately controlled by medication alone.
Prof. Joseph Orkumah, Consultant Haematologist at BSUTH, hailed the acquisition as a personal and professional milestone. He described the Apheresis machine as a breakthrough in haematology practice, expressing deep appreciation to Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the hospital’s current management team under Dr. Hwande for making it possible.
The CMD emphasized that the procurement aligns with Governor Alia’s broader vision to reposition BSUTH as a leading medical tourism centre in the region. He credited the governor’s efforts across multiple sectors and called for continued prayers to sustain the momentum of progress. Dr. Hwande also noted that the equipment will help prolong life expectancy among Benue residents and patients from beyond the state through more effective disease management.
Addressing concerns about ongoing industrial action by resident doctors and nurses, Dr. Hwande expressed displeasure over the disruption but assured the public that the hospital has recorded substantial improvements under the current administration. These include the recruitment of qualified medical staff, enhanced welfare packages, and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment. He announced that full-fledged hospital services are expected to resume on Monday, January 19, 2026.
On the separate issue of doctors’ quarters, the CMD clarified that the recent comprehensive renovation and subsequent evacuation notice were not intended as punitive measures but rather to fulfill one of the demands raised by resident doctors during negotiations.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital board, Dr. Mathew Ochife, representing the Nigerian Medical Association, commended the state government for resuscitating the facility and praised the visionary leadership of Dr. Hwande and his team.
The supplier, Sundardbelt Medical, represented by its Service Manager, described BSUTH as fortunate to be among the few hospitals in Nigeria to own an Apheresis machine—and the first in the North Central region—underscoring the rarity and significance of the acquisition.
The unveiling has been welcomed as a positive development in the ongoing efforts to elevate healthcare standards at BSUTH, even as stakeholders continue to monitor the resolution of labour-related issues to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to patients.
