Benue Advocacy Network disputes BSUTH MRI acquisition

The Benue Advocacy Network (BAN) has called on the Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr Stephen Hwande, to provide verifiable evidence supporting claims that a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine was acquired under his administration.

In a statement signed by the President of the Network, Enoch Bemshima Ortese, BAN described as “fabricated and misleading” the information allegedly circulated by a group called ‘Govaliamediavanguard’, which they accused of acting as a mouthpiece for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

“The claim that Dr. Hwande purchased a new MRI machine to replace the one installed by the previous administration is a blatant lie,” Ortese said.

“It is part of a growing pattern of propaganda and deception from the current leadership of BSUTH.”

According to BAN, the MRI machine in question was procured, installed, and put into 24-hour operation by the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, alongside two Dialysis Machines acquired from Siemens.

The group noted that the hospital, under Ortom, also attracted patients from neighbouring states such as Enugu, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Taraba, which generated additional revenue for the state.

“The Ortom administration not only acquired the equipment but also renovated several key hospital wards and established a modern Centre for Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases Intelligence,” the statement added.

BAN further accused the current hospital management of focusing on media image rather than actual service delivery.

“Since assuming office, Dr Hwande and his team have done little to improve conditions at the hospital.

“Patients are dying from preventable causes, while the hospital frequently lacks water and electricity,” Ortese alleged.

The group also criticised an earlier incident in which the BSUTH management staged a public display of expired drug cartons, which they claimed were discovered at the hospital.

“That event was nothing short of a staged movie scene meant to discredit the previous administration,” BAN stated.

The network has now challenged Dr. Hwande to publish documentation proving the purchase of a new MRI machine, including the date, vendor, and manufacturer.

“If Dr. Hwande truly acquired a new MRI machine, let him show us the evidence. Otherwise, he should keep quiet,” Ortese declared.

BAN concluded its statement with a warning to the state government: “Any further attempt to discredit the previous administration with lies will be met with a firm and equal response.

“The people of Benue expect sincerity and accountability, not propaganda and deceit.”