The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful fitting of its first body-powered trans-humeral prosthesis on Mrs. Blessing Agidi, a survivor of a Fulani herdsmen attack, sponsored by the Wife of the Tor Tiv.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the hospital’s Head, Public Relations & Protocol, Tsenzughul Moses, the groundbreaking procedure was carried out on Wednesday at the hospital, marking a major advancement in specialized orthopedic and rehabilitative services available at the state-owned tertiary health institution.
Speaking after the procedure, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for supporting the hospital’s drive towards achieving global standards. He noted that the Governor’s commitment has positioned the hospital to compete with other teaching hospitals worldwide and gradually transform it into a medical tourism hub for advanced and specialized healthcare services.
According to the statement, the CMD also thanked Her Royal Majesty, Prof. Mrs. Felicia Iorzua Ayatse, for sponsoring the prosthetic procedure, describing her gesture as a demonstration of compassion and genuine concern for vulnerable citizens. He stated that beyond royal status lies the greater responsibility of caring for ordinary people, and the sponsorship is a moral and Christian obligation that will remain memorable in the hospital’s history.
Dr. Hwande further disclosed that the hospital is collaborating with Ishk Tolaram Foundation (ITF), a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and has enlisted over 300 persons for limb replacement. The hospital is also recruiting specialized prosthetic personnel to establish a dedicated prosthetics department.
Mrs. Agidi, from Logo Local Government Area, expressed her gratitude to her sponsor, the CMD, and the medical team, urging that similar support be extended to other low-income individuals in need of life-changing medical interventions.
The hospital’s achievement has brought hope to many, and it is expected to boost the hospital’s reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
