The Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, on Friday performed its first robotic-assisted surgery, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to expand access to advanced medical care.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The surgery, performed at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre within the hospital, was led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon and Lead Urological Surgeon at Glan Clwyd Hospital, United Kingdom.

The development was announced in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, on Friday.

Nwaogwugwu described the development as a major step in the state’s healthcare transformation, saying, “A new chapter is opening in healthcare delivery in Imo State today as the Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, performs its first robotics-assisted surgery, bringing advanced medical technology closer to ordinary Imolites.”

📌 Key Details

According to him, the milestone was achieved alongside efforts to make quality healthcare more accessible to residents through the Imo State Health Insurance Programme.

He said eligible Imolites could access healthcare services under the programme for N15,000 per person per year, describing the initiative as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden of accessing quality medical care.

The statement said the hospital had undergone extensive upgrades, including the establishment of a dedicated Robotics Centre equipped with modern medical technology and operated under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Nwaogwugwu said the facility was established as part of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s efforts to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for specialised medical treatment.

The statement described the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre as “one of the most ambitious healthcare initiatives undertaken by any sub-national government in Nigeria.”

It said the centre combines robotic surgical capabilities with oncology services and is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to diagnose and treat cancer, urological conditions and other complex diseases.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria