Imo Specialist Hospital Conducts First Robotic Surgery

On Friday, the Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma conducted its first robotic-assisted surgery, a significant advancement in the state's healthcare capabilities. The surgery was led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon and Lead Urological Surgeon at Glan Clwyd Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, announced the achievement, describing it as a transformative step in healthcare delivery for Imo State. The hospital has undergone extensive upgrades, including the establishment of the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, which combines robotic surgical capabilities with oncology services.

This initiative is part of Governor Hope Uzodimma's strategy to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for specialized medical treatment. The centre aims to enhance the state's capacity to diagnose and treat complex diseases while creating opportunities for specialist training and international collaborations.

The Imo State Health Insurance Programme allows eligible residents to access healthcare services for N15,000 per person annually.