The Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu, is currently undergoing an extensive and deliberate transformation aimed at repositioning it as Enugu State’s flagship tertiary health institution, following a series of infrastructure expansions, policy interventions, and institutional reforms driven by the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu, disclosed this during a media interaction with the press on Monday, where he provided an update on ongoing developments in infrastructure renewal, medical education, specialist training, and healthcare service delivery at the institution.
According to Prof. Ngwu, the scale of transformation being witnessed at ESUT Teaching Hospital reflects Governor Mbah’s strategic decision to place healthcare at the epicentre of his development agenda for Enugu State.
“The governor strongly believes that no state can truly develop without prioritising the health of its people. He understands that health is wealth, and that if you want to grow the wealth of a state, nation, community, or individual, you must first enhance and sustain the health of the people,” he said.
Prof. Ngwu explained that shortly after assuming office in May 2023, Governor Mbah undertook an inspection visit to the hospital, where he identified significant gaps in infrastructure capacity and the urgent need for expansion to accommodate rising patient inflow and growing training demands.
This assessment, according to him, led to the swift approval and execution of a modern Triage and Emergency Unit, which was completed within a record time of four months. The success of that project, he noted, paved the way for additional large-scale interventions, including the approval of two major structures, a twin six-floor medical complex and a seven-floor nursing and training facility, both of which are now at advanced stages of completion.
Prof. Ngwu explained that the six-floor complex, which was initially conceived strictly as a diagnostic laboratory facility, was later redesigned and expanded into a full-fledged medical services complex, adding that it now accommodates advanced laboratories, surgical theatres, intensive care units, recovery wards, radiological suites, and other specialised clinical units essential for tertiary healthcare delivery.
He further noted that the facility has significantly strengthened the hospital’s academic and accreditation profile, contributing directly to the approval of an expanded 350-student admission quota by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, marking a major milestone in the institution’s medical training capacity.
“I can confidently say that over 90 per cent of the work has been done. What remains are mainly finishing touches and installation of equipment,” the CMD stated.
Prof. Ngwu also highlighted the seven-floor Nursing Complex as a critical component of the hospital’s long-term vision to integrate clinical service delivery with advanced medical training. The building, he said, includes a basement and multiple floors dedicated to lecture halls, administrative offices, conference facilities, student hostels, and learning spaces designed to support interdisciplinary medical education.
In addition, he revealed that high-end MRI and CT scan equipment originally procured for the Government House Clinic had been redirected to ESUT Teaching Hospital, ensuring that such advanced diagnostic tools are made available for public healthcare delivery rather than restricted access.
“Rather than reserving such facilities for a select few, Governor Mbah decided they should benefit the general public,” he disclosed, describing the decision as a reflection of the governor’s inclusive and people-centred governance approach.
The CMD further disclosed that the hospital has recorded major improvements in its Children’s Emergency Unit, alongside expanded training and accreditation gains at its annex facilities.
The Colliery Annex, he noted, continues to serve as a key examination centre for the West African College of Surgeons, attracting candidates and medical professionals from across West Africa.
Similarly, the Iji-Nike Annex has been fully accredited as a major centre for Family Medicine training by both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The facility, he stated, currently hosts about 30 resident doctors and six consultants, with expectations of further expansion in the coming years.
Prof. Ngwu stressed that the development is part of a broader strategy to position Enugu State as a leading hub for medical education and specialist training, with the capacity to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals for Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
He further credited the Mbah administration for restoring industrial harmony within the hospital system, noting that ESUT Teaching Hospital has not experienced any strike action since the governor assumed office.
“Previously, doctors were leaving, but today doctors from other institutions are seeking opportunities to come here. The reason is simple. The governor has improved welfare, working conditions, and remuneration for healthcare professionals, he said.
According to him, the improved working environment, timely response to staff concerns, and enhanced welfare structure have not only reduced attrition but also made the hospital an attractive destination for medical professionals seeking career growth and stability.
Prof. Ngwu also disclosed that the state government recently approved over N70 million for the comprehensive reticulation of water within the hospital, saying that the Enugu State Water Corporation has since connected dual water supply lines to the facility, while a government-provided water tanker now serves as a backup system to ensure uninterrupted supply during occasional disruptions.
