The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has urged the Edo State House of Assembly to take legislative action to combat the rising tide of drug and substance abuse in the state. This call was made during a courtesy visit by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, to the hospital. Prof. Ize-Iyamu emphasized the need for a strong partnership with the state legislature to implement targeted interventions and collaborative rehabilitation programs for affected youths.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu highlighted UBTH's newly commissioned, state-of-the-art drug testing centre, which aims to address the scourge of drug addiction and alcohol addiction in Edo State. According to the CMD, the use of psychotropic substances is on the increase in the state, constituting a menace. The CMD revealed that the first group of people who tested positive for drug abuse at the centre were those under 20 years of age, underscoring the need for early intervention.
The CMD identified potential areas of collaboration between UBTH and the Edo State House of Assembly, including drug testing, specialised diagnostic and laboratory services, as well as other healthcare initiatives that could directly benefit the people of the state. This collaboration aims to support sustainable development and improve healthcare outcomes in Edo State.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, stated that the purpose of the visit was to explore possible areas of partnership and collaboration with UBTH. Idiaye highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government and UBTH, adding that the visit was part of his engagements with federal institutions across the state.
Accompanying the Speaker were Hon. Sunny Ojiezele Osezua, Majority Leader and member representing Esan South East Constituency, Dr. Richard Edosa, Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman House Committee on Health representing Oredo West Constituency, and member representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, Hon. Donald Okogbe. This delegation signifies the state's commitment to addressing the issue of substance and drug abuse.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu stressed that it is more difficult to treat addiction than to prevent it, especially when it affects young people. The CMD's call for legislative action underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of substance and drug abuse in Edo State.
The collaboration between UBTH and the Edo State House of Assembly aims to support sustainable development and improve healthcare outcomes in the state. The visit by the Speaker and his delegation marks a significant step towards addressing the rising tide of substance and drug abuse in Edo State.
Key points
- - University of Benin Teaching Hospital CMD calls for legislative action to combat rising substance and drug abuse in Edo State. - UBTH has commissioned a state-of-the-art drug testing centre to address the issue. - The CMD stresses the need for early intervention, citing that the first group of people who tested positive for drug abuse at the centre were those under 20 years of age.
