As Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma marks six years in office tomorrow, January 15, he has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Nigeria, signing a pact with IDCL Surgicals Limited to establish the country’s first Robotic Surgical Centre.
The agreement, reached through the state’s central health management organ — Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited — will pioneer robotic surgery in Imo State and oversee specialist hospitals across the state.
Led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, Nigeria’s foremost consultant in Urological and Robotic Surgery, IDCL Surgicals Limited brings expertise to the project.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the Government House in Owerri, signals a major stride toward specialised, technology-driven healthcare services.
The proposed centre will deploy advanced DaVinci robotic systems to perform minimally invasive procedures, promising enhanced surgical precision, shorter recovery times, and improved patient outcomes.
Governor Uzodimma emphasised his administration’s commitment to strategic investments and public-private partnerships aimed at modernising healthcare. He envisions Imo State as a regional hub for advanced medical services and medical tourism.
“Under the partnership, Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited will oversee hospital administration and clinical service management, while IDCL Surgicals Limited handles infrastructure, equipment procurement, and operational support,” Uzodimma explained.
Training, Research, and Broader Vision
Beyond patient care, the Robotic Surgical Centre will serve as a research and training facility for medical professionals across Nigeria.
Uzodimma said the initiative aligns with his broader vision of strengthening the state’s healthcare system, reducing outbound medical tourism, creating skilled jobs, and ensuring Imo people have access to world-class surgical care locally.
Professor Ekwueme hailed the project as a “landmark initiative and the first of its kind in Nigeria.” He praised Uzodimma’s leadership, noting the enrollment of over 1.5 million Imo indigenes in the free Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.
He assured readiness for timely completion, expressing confidence that the centre will enhance citizens’ wellbeing while boosting Imo’s socio-economic development.
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