By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has unveiled a state-of-the-art robotic Molecular Laboratory to provide faster, more accurate disease diagnosis for people.
The initiative which is to ensure easy and affordable access to advanced healthcare services for residents of Benue and neighbouring states.
A Consultant at the hospital, Dr. Izuchukwu Ebiega, explained that, “molecular diagnostics detects the genetic
This is one of t results of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s huge investments in the tertiary health institution, now saving the cost of travels, time wasted and affordability to patients seeking faster and accurate treatments.
Experts from the Microbiology Department, BSUTH, on Wednesday said, “provision of the facility is a development that has expanded specialized diagnostic services and is attracting patients from across the North Central region”.
Consultant PCR Specialist, Dr. Izuchukwu Ebiega, explained that, “molecular diagnostics detects the genetic material of disease-causing organisms, making Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) the global gold standard for accurate disease identification and effective treatment decisions”.
“BSUTH’s automated m2000 and RT2000 robotic platforms deliver rapid, precise results with minimal human error. The hospital also operates a dedicated tuberculosis PCR unit and participates in national and international quality assessment programmes”.
Dr. Ebiega disclosed that Hepatitis B and C viral load tests, previously sent to Kaduna or Abuja with month-long waiting periods, are now conducted in Makurdi, reducing turnaround time to just two days at more affordable rates.
Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Mr. Isaac Ajege, described the laboratory as a milestone in regional healthcare, noting it accurately detects DNA and RNA of viruses, bacteria and fungi while operating continuously through solar power and backup generators.
The hospital said the new robotic molecular laboratory will bridge diagnostic gaps, promote early disease detection, support medical tourism and bring world-class healthcare closer to the people of Benue State.
