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The Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has marked its first anniversary, celebrating one year of dedicated care, rehabilitation, and renewed hope for children living with developmental and neurological challenges in Benue State and beyond.
Established as a pioneering intervention facility within the hospital, the centre has quickly become a refuge for families seeking specialised therapy and support for children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, speech impairment, learning disabilities, and other developmental disorders.
Within its first year of operation, the centre has recorded remarkable progress through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioural support services aimed at improving the quality of life and social inclusion of affected children.
Parents and caregivers have commended the professionalism and compassion of the centre’s staff, noting visible improvements in communication, mobility, and social interaction among many children who previously struggled in these areas.
Special commendation has been given to the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his administration’s support in strengthening healthcare delivery and encouraging innovative medical interventions at BSUTH.
Stakeholders have also praised the vision and commitment of Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, whose passion for inclusive healthcare and child development inspired the establishment of the facility. Dr. Hwande has been described as a strong advocate for vulnerable children.
The Head of Administration of the centre, Mrs. Lois Terhemba Fasaa, and other observers noted that the initiative has not only filled a major healthcare gap in Benue State but has also reduced the burden on families who previously had to travel long distances outside the state to access specialised therapeutic services.
As the centre celebrates this milestone, stakeholders are calling for sustained investment, expansion of therapy units, and increased public awareness to ensure more children with special needs receive timely intervention and holistic care.
The Therapeutic Centre is widely seen as a significant step towards improving inclusive healthcare and giving children with special needs a better chance at a fulfilling life in Benue State.
