The Senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has voiced concern over the poor condition of facilities at the temporary site of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Ugbor, Benin City.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Moshood Karim, the lawmaker also criticised the slow pace of work at the centre’s permanent site, calling for urgent federal intervention to salvage the institution.
Imasuen, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, visited the centre on Friday as part of the committee’s oversight responsibilities to evaluate progress since the hospital was established and following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Federal and Edo State governments last year.
According to the senator, the state of the facility fell far below the standard expected of a specialised national hospital dedicated to obstetric fistula treatment.
He described both the deplorable condition of the temporary facility and the lack of meaningful development at the permanent site as disturbing, noting that little or no work had been carried out at the proposed permanent location.
“This is the National Fistula Hospital in Benin, one of only four in the country providing vital services to women. What I have seen is disappointing. We are meant to have a permanent site, yet nothing on ground suggests that work is ongoing,” Imasuen said.
The senator explained that the current Ugbor facility, which operates from a converted Primary Health Care centre, is grossly inadequate for the hospital’s mandate. He noted deficiencies such as poor furnishing, inadequate lighting and an unreliable power supply.
“They rely on a single generator that runs continuously. Offices are not properly set up for staff, and the challenges are numerous,” he added.
Despite these limitations, Imasuen acknowledged that the centre successfully carried out several fistula surgeries last year and has continued to do so this year, adding that performance could improve significantly with adequate support.
He pledged to raise the issue on the floor of the Senate and within the Committee on Health, particularly during discussions on the 2026 budget, to secure better funding and fast-track development at the permanent site.
“With the 2026 budget, we hope to make some progress. This matter must be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities so meaningful development can begin,” he said.
The senator also questioned why such a critical national health institution was established without a take-off grant to support smooth operations from the outset.
Earlier, the Medical Director of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Professor Ileogben Sunday-Adeoye (MON), appealed to the senator to convey the centre’s urgent needs to the Senate, stressing the importance of improved staff welfare, including the provision of vehicles for staff transportation.
While commending Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for donating land for the permanent site, the Medical Director emphasised the need for an immediate perimeter fence to prevent encroachment by land grabbers.
Other officials present during the visit included the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Christopher Ovenseri; Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Grace Areghan; Public Relations Consultant, Daniel Aigbavhoa; Team Lead, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Yolanda Iyere; and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr. Richard Edosa.