Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), warned that the 850‑bed tertiary facility is operating beyond its capacity as it now serves more than five million patients. Speaking during a media tour of the hospital’s ongoing renovations, the CMD highlighted the strain on space and resources caused by a steady rise in patient inflow from across the region.
UCTH is the sole tertiary referral centre for Cross River State and also caters to neighbouring states Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi. In addition, the hospital receives referrals from bordering countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. The CMD said the growing demand has led to persistent overcrowding despite recent upgrades to wards and clinical areas.
“The hospital currently runs 62 clinical and non‑clinical departments and between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services,” Prof. Ikpeme noted. “Most of these wards have undergone facelift, remodelling or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for staff.”
A key element of the refurbishment programme is the adoption of modern nursing ratios, with each nurse now responsible for a maximum of ten patients. Relatives are being directed to designated waiting zones to minimise disruption to medical procedures and to streamline emergency response.
To further address capacity constraints, UCTH is constructing a new 106‑bed emergency medicine facility. The planned complex will house trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards and three fully equipped trauma theatres. The addition is intended to meet the escalating need for acute and specialised care.
Orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology and minimally invasive surgery have also been bolstered. The hospital now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports‑medicine procedures and complex brain‑tumour surgeries. Laparoscopic techniques are being used for appendectomies, hysterectomies and other operations, resulting in faster recovery times for patients.
Power reliability has been enhanced through a hybrid system that draws on solar energy from a seven‑megawatt plant built by the federal government at the University of Calabar, supplemented by the national grid and on‑site generators.
Prof. Ikpeme called on governments, development partners and philanthropists to assist with further infrastructure expansion, equipment acquisition and specialised health projects. He identified specific needs such as additional incubators, more ward space and a stand‑alone amenity block for private services.
Addressing rumours of ethnic bias, the CMD affirmed that UCTH does not discriminate on the basis of tribe or origin. He cited the recent naming of a ward after an Igbo pioneer physician as evidence of the hospital’s inclusive ethos. The institution, he added, maintains strict disciplinary procedures to deal with negligence, unprofessional conduct and ethical breaches among staff.
The tour also included visits to the intensive care unit, radiology department, urology and ophthalmology clinics, showcasing the breadth of services now available at the teaching hospital.
As UCTH strives to keep pace with rising demand, its ongoing upgrades and planned expansions signal a commitment to delivering comprehensive tertiary care for Nigeria’s southeast and neighbouring regions.
