UNTH GETS BOOST FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTHCARE

By: Okoruwa Patrick
Chimdiadi Nzurumike
Agbasi Onyinye
Chinalurum J. Onwuchekwa

UNTHNEWSONLINE

The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, yesterday, March 9, 2026, received a major boost to its Maternal and Child Healthcare Services with the commissioning of the Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Intervention Programme. The initiative, aimed at supporting indigent patients, was officially launched at the hospital, marking a significant step towards improving access to essential medical care.

*Handing over of the drugs by the Representative of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, Pharm. Ojeje Onimisi to the CMD, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, UNTH, and flanked by Management staff and others.*

The event, hosted by the hospital management and attended by the representatives of the programme, Pharm. Ojeje Onimisi, PA to Seyi Tinubu, and Dr. Benson Cole Ayodele, the National Coordinator, Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Healthcare Intervention Program, featured the symbolic cutting of the commissioning rope, launching the Drug Bank initiative designed to provide medical support for vulnerable mothers and children.

*Some of the drugs donated to the hospital.*

The programme also has a residency training scholarship for top-performing pediatric doctors. Dr. Blessing Oguchi, a Senior Registrar in Paediatrics, was awarded the sum of ₦1 million scholarship grant to support her final fellowship examination as part of the Programme’s initiative for Paediatrics Medical Training in the country.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the programme. He noted that UNTH is privileged to be the first beneficiary of the initiative in the South-East region of Nigeria and assured that all resources provided through the intervention would be properly utilized for the purpose.

*Dr. Blessing Uzoamaka Oguchi, UNTH, received a cheque of N1 million from Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Healthcare Intervention Program to support her final fellowship examination.*

The programme was officially commissioned by Pharm. Onimisi, who stood in for Seyi Tinubu. In his remarks, he stated that the Maternal and Child Intervention Programme commenced on the 29th of August 2024 at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. He described the initiative as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers and children, noting that the drug bank would serve as a lifeline for families who cannot afford essential medications.
Pharm. Onimisi also commended UNTH for partnering with the programme and urged the institution to continue its collaborative efforts with stakeholders to strengthen and sustain quality healthcare delivery for the vulnerable persons in the society.

*Handing over of the Drugs by the Representative of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, Pharm. Ojeje Onimisi to the CMD, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, UNTH*

In his speech during the event, the National Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Ayodele Cole Benson, stated that the commissioning at UNTH is part of an ongoing nationwide rollout of the philanthropic initiative led by Seyi Tinubu. According to him, about 60 tertiary hospitals across Nigeria have been mapped out to benefit from the programme. He added that UNTH was selected as one of the beneficiaries due to the outstanding progress being made by the current Administration of Professor Obinna Onodugo.

(From L-R) Dr. Obinna Okwesili, head of PPMO, The DA, Mrs. Uche Obi, the CMAC, Dr. Charles Nonyelu, the CMD, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, rep of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, Pharm. Ojeje, the National Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Benson Cole, etc.

The Drug Bank in the hospital is expected to significantly support indigent patients by ensuring free access to life-saving medications for maternal and child healthcare services.

Pharm. Ojeje Onimisi, the representative of Seyi Tinubu fielding addresses the Press after the commissioning of Drug Bank.

UNTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, who was in the company of the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Charles Nonyelu, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Uche Obi, the Director of Nursing Services, Lady Joy Unigwe, and the hospital’s DCMACs, expressed appreciation for the support, noting its significant impact on patients facing financial challenges in accessing quality healthcare services.