News Investigators/ Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IDCL Surgicals Limited for the establishment of a Robotic Surgical Centre in the state.
Speaking after signing the document at the Government House, Owerri, Mr Uzodimma said the initiative aimed at “broadening and strengthening” the state’s healthcare system.
He affirmed his administration’s commitment towards attracting strategic investments and fostering public private partnerships for modernised healthcare delivery.
“The vision is to position Imo as a regional hub for advanced medical services and medical tourism,” he said.
He also said the centre would serve as a research and training facility for medical professionals throughout the state and the country.
The governor said: “Under the partnership, Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited will oversee hospital administration and clinical service management.
“IDCL Surgicals Limited will handle technical aspects, such as infrastructure, equipment procurement, and operational support.
“This initiative aligns with a broader vision of strengthening the state’s healthcare system, reducing outbound medical tourism, creating skilled employment opportunities, and ensuring that Imo people have access to world-class surgical care locally.”
Earlier, the head of the delegation and a Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Kingsley Ekwueme, described the project as a “landmark initiative and the first of its kind in Nigeria”.
Prof. Ekwueme further said that the initiative signified a major stride towards advancing specialised, technology-driven healthcare services in the state and beyond.
“The proposed Robotic Surgical Centre aims to provide cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures utilising advanced DaVinci robotic systems.
“The state-of-the-art technology promises enhanced surgical precision, reduces recovery times, and significantly improve patient outcomes,” he said.
He further expressed confidence that the centre would significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of citizens, while positively impacting the socio-economic development of the state.
He lauded the governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to quality healthcare, citing the enrollment of over 1.5 million Imo indigenes in the state’s free Health Insurance Scheme.
Prof. Ekwueme expressed his firm’s readiness and commitment to the timely completion of the project.
NAN