By Awua Doowuese Precious
As Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, steps into 2026, the tone for the year has been firmly set by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, who has called on top management to deepen accountability, strengthen oversight, and improve service delivery across the hospital.
The message was delivered during the first top management meeting of the year, held on Wednesday, at the CMD’s Conference Hall. Beyond administrative directives, the meeting had a moment of reflection and renewed commitment, as Dr. Hwande expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and for ushering the institution into a new year without misfortune.
Central to the CMD’s address was the emphasis on gratitude and faith as drivers of institutional stability. He urged members of management to remain thankful for both answered and unanswered prayers, noting that placing God first in all endeavours remains key to sustained progress and growth within the hospital system.
Dr. Hwande stressed the need for stronger management presence and oversight across departments as well as units, pointing out that efficiency in service delivery depends largely on proactive supervision and timely resolution of challenges. According to him, issues identified in the course of operations should not be allowed to linger but must be addressed promptly in the interest of patients and staff alike.
In a move aimed at strengthening internal coordination, the CMD directed Heads of Departments to hold regular departmental meetings and ensure that resolutions from such engagements are formally communicated to his office. This, he explained, would enhance monitoring, follow-up, and informed decision-making at the top management level.
The meeting also highlighted emerging policy changes affecting the hospital. Dr. Hwande disclosed that a new tax law regime has taken effect at BSUTH and tasked the Director of Finance, Dr. Michael Abah, with organizing a sensitization forum for union officials. The forum is expected to ensure that staff are properly informed and aligned with the new tax framework.
Looking ahead, the CMD announced that from Monday, January 12, 2026, departments and units will present comprehensive reports of their 2025 activities to management. These presentations will cover staff strength, postings, achievements, challenges, recommendations, and the way forward – an exercise designed to promote transparency, evaluation, and strategic planning.
As BSUTH charts its course for the new year, the directives from the CMD underscore a leadership focus on accountability, faith-driven values, and improved healthcare delivery. With clear expectations laid out before management, 2026 presents an opportunity for the hospital to consolidate gains, confront challenges head-on, and raise the standard of service to the people of Benue State and beyond.
