The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, has reaffirmed the hospital’s unwavering commitment to providing uninterrupted, high-quality healthcare services to patients throughout 2026 and beyond, even amid ongoing industrial action by some staff unions.
Speaking during a media briefing at the hospital on Monday, January 5, 2026, Dr. Hwande emphasized the management’s determination to deliver optimal care despite the challenges posed by the strike. He highlighted several landmark achievements under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, including the commissioning of the VIP Smart Clinic, the establishment of the BSUTH Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs, and the completion of a major hospital water project.
Additional strides mentioned include significant improvements in staff welfare, the acquisition of world-class medical equipment, and the successful introduction of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services at the hospital annex, marking a new era in reproductive healthcare for the state.
Addressing the ongoing strike directly, Dr. Hwande appealed to the unions to show “maturity and compassion” by suspending their industrial action, noting that the state government has already met most of their demands. He clarified that essential services remain fully operational, including the Accident and Emergency Unit, GOPD, VIP and Special Clinics, firmly dismissing any claims of a total hospital shutdown.
The CMD concluded his address with a call for prayers and continued public support, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration will enable Governor Alia to further strengthen the state’s health sector and complete all ongoing transformative projects. The briefing underscores BSUTH’s resolve to prioritize patient welfare while navigating labor disputes, offering reassurance to residents who depend on the teaching hospital for advanced medical care.
