UBTH Debunks Allegations, Explains Service Price Review and Lab Partnership

The Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating about a recent review of service charges, its partnership with a private laboratory, and allegations against its Chief Medical Director.

In a statement issued by the hospital’s management, the institution said the clarification became necessary to ensure transparency, public accountability and to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the facility.

The hospital explained that the recent review of some service prices was driven by prevailing economic realities, including rising costs of medical consumables, reagents, energy, utilities, equipment maintenance and overall service delivery.

According to the statement, the adjustment followed due process and relevant government guidelines, adding that the review was aimed at sustaining quality healthcare delivery without compromising patient safety or standards. Management stressed that price changes are not arbitrary but are carefully considered to balance affordability with institutional sustainability.

On the engagement of a private laboratory partner, UBTH said the arrangement was designed to complement and strengthen its existing laboratory services, particularly in areas requiring advanced technology and specialised testing. The hospital noted that the collaboration would improve turnaround time, reduce service bottlenecks and enhance patient outcomes.

It further explained that the partnership followed appropriate institutional approvals and is guided by transparency, accountability and patient-centred care. The hospital emphasised that the private facility does not replace its laboratory but only augments its capacity.

The management also rejected allegations that the Chief Medical Director was involved in extortion or profit-sharing from laboratory services, describing the claims as false, baseless and malicious.

According to the statement, the CMD has consistently upheld professionalism, integrity and ethical standards in the discharge of her duties. It added that the allegations appear to be a deliberate attempt to malign the hospital’s leadership, destabilise the institution and erode public trust.
UBTH warned that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against individuals or groups involved in spreading defamatory information.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality, affordable and ethical healthcare services to Nigerians and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official UBTH communication channels.