Olubadan Calls for Action on Staffing and Facilities at UCH

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has raised concerns about the lack of staff and poor conditions at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. He shared his worries during a visit from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, at the Olubadan Palace on Tuesday.

Oba Ladoja noted that UCH, once a leading medical institution, is now struggling. He mentioned that many healthcare workers have left for better opportunities abroad, turning UCH into more of a consulting clinic than a full-service hospital. He emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to restore the hospital to its former status.

“I am worried about the current state of the health facilities at the University Teaching Hospital, which has lost its old glory,” he said. He highlighted that not only are there insufficient medical facilities, but there is also a critical shortage of medical personnel.

Despite these challenges, Ladoja acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in trying to improve the hospital’s situation. He called for urgent action to address the issues faced by UCH.

During the visit, the two ministers expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome they received. They were in Ibadan to open a new world-class diagnostic center at UCH and assured the Olubadan that they would take his concerns to the Federal Government.

The courtesy visit included several notable figures, such as the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland and the UCH Medical Director, Professor Abiodun Otegbayi, among others.