The Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, is undergoing significant upgrades and institutional reforms as part of efforts by the Enugu State Government to strengthen healthcare delivery and medical training across the state.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu, disclosed the developments during a media briefing on Monday, highlighting ongoing projects aimed at expanding infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and enhancing medical education at the institution.
According to Prof. Ngwu, the transformation aligns with the administration of Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare as a key component of the state’s development agenda.
He explained that shortly after assuming office in 2023, the governor visited the hospital and identified critical infrastructure deficiencies that required urgent attention to meet increasing healthcare demands and support medical training programmes.
One of the first projects initiated was the construction of a modern Triage and Emergency Unit, which was completed within four months. The project was followed by the approval of additional large-scale developments, including a six-storey medical services complex and a seven-storey nursing and training facility, both of which are nearing completion.
Prof. Ngwu stated that the medical services complex was originally planned as a diagnostic laboratory centre but was later expanded into a comprehensive healthcare facility housing advanced laboratories, operating theatres, intensive care units, recovery wards, radiology suites, and other specialist medical departments.
He noted that the expanded infrastructure has strengthened the institution’s capacity for medical training and contributed to the approval of an increased admission quota of 350 students by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“More than 90 percent of the construction work has been completed, with only finishing works and equipment installation remaining,” he said.
The CMD also described the nursing and training complex as a major investment in healthcare education. The facility includes lecture halls, administrative offices, conference rooms, student accommodation, and other learning spaces designed to support the training of healthcare professionals.
In a move aimed at improving access to advanced medical diagnostics, Prof. Ngwu revealed that MRI and CT scan equipment initially acquired for the Government House Clinic were redirected to ESUTH for public use.
He said the decision would ensure wider access to specialized diagnostic services and support quality healthcare delivery for residents.
The hospital has also recorded improvements in its Children’s Emergency Unit and achieved notable progress in specialist training and accreditation programmes at its annex facilities.
According to the CMD, the Colliery Annex continues to serve as an examination centre for the West African College of Surgeons, attracting medical professionals and trainees from several countries within the region.
Meanwhile, the Iji-Nike Annex has secured full accreditation as a training centre for Family Medicine by both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The facility currently accommodates about 30 resident doctors and six consultants, with plans for further expansion to meet growing demand for specialist training.
Prof. Ngwu said the state government’s investments are helping position Enugu as a leading destination for medical education, specialist training, and healthcare services in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
He further credited the administration for maintaining industrial harmony within the hospital, noting that the institution has experienced stability in labour relations in recent years.
According to him, improved welfare packages, better working conditions, and enhanced remuneration have helped attract and retain healthcare professionals, reversing the trend of workforce migration experienced in the past.
The CMD also disclosed that the state government recently approved more than N70 million for a comprehensive water reticulation project within the hospital. The project includes dual water supply connections from the Enugu State Water Corporation, supported by a backup water tanker system to ensure uninterrupted supply.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments would further strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services while advancing medical education and research in the state.
