The Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has dismissed as false and malicious recent allegations circulating on social media against its Chief Medical Director, Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, concerning the engagement of a private laboratory service within the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit.
In a statement signed by Osaretin Iyen, Head of the Public Relations and Information Unit, the hospital described the claims as “entirely false, defamatory, and devoid of factual or legal basis,” alleging that they were designed to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the hospital’s leadership.
According to the statement, the private laboratory service was introduced strictly to complement existing diagnostic services in the A&E Unit, particularly in situations requiring urgent laboratory investigations for critically ill patients. Management explained that the arrangement was implemented in the overriding interest of patient safety and continuity of care, especially during operational challenges affecting laboratory services within the emergency unit.
UBTH further clarified that the engagement was neither arbitrary nor unlawful, but in line with directives of the Federal Ministry of Health, which permit hospital administrations to adopt innovative measures to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical healthcare services. The hospital emphasized that the private laboratory functions alongside, not in place of, UBTH’s laboratories.
The statement noted that more than ten functional laboratories remain operational across the institution, dismissing suggestions of privatization or displacement of hospital services as unfounded.
Management warned that the continued spread of what it termed defamatory claims could attract appropriate legal action, affirming that the hospital reserves the right to protect its leadership and institutional reputation through lawful means.
The public was urged to disregard unverified reports and rely solely on official communications from UBTH, as the institution reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality healthcare, maintaining professional standards, and safeguarding lives.
