Uzodimma moves to establish first Robotic surgical centre in Imo

In its efforts to further improve the health care delivery system in the state, Imo State Government has concluded arrangements to establish the first ever Robotic Surgical centre in the State.

An official statement released to journalists in Owerri the state capital wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Mr Oguwike Nwachukwu, stated that Governor Hope Uzodimma, Tuesday, took major steps aimed at revolutionising healthcare delivery in Nigeria at large and Imo State in particular by signing a pact with IDCL Surgicals Limited to establish the first Robotic Surgical Centre in the country.

According to the statement, ” through the Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited – the Imo State Government had reached the landmark agreement with IDCL Surgicals Limited to pioneer a Robotic Surgical Centre and manage specialist hospitals across the State.”

The state Government partner, the statement explained is led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a foremost pioneering Consultant in Urological and Robotic Surgery. IDCL Surgicals Limited brings expertise to this groundbreaking initiative.

It further disclosed that the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) which was signed at Government House Owerri in the wee hours of Tuesday, signifies a major stride towards advancing specialised, technology-driven healthcare services in Imo State and beyond.

The statement also said that the proposed Robotic Surgical Centre aims to provide cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures utilising advanced DaVinci robotic systems, as the state-of-the-art technology promises enhanced surgical precision, reduced recovery times, and significantly improved patient outcomes.

During the ceremony, the statement said, the Governor emphasised the Government’s commitment to attracting strategic investments and fostering public-private partnerships aimed at modernising healthcare delivery.

He envisions positioning Imo State as a regional hub for advanced medical services and medical tourism.

In addition to treating patients, he said the Robotic Surgical Centre will serve as a research and training facility for medical professionals throughout Imo State and Nigeria.

“Under the partnership, Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited will oversee hospital administration and clinical service management, while IDCL Surgicals Limited handles technical aspects such as infrastructure, equipment procurement, and operational support,” he added

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that this initiative “aligns with his 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 in his remarks, the head of the delegation and pioneer Nigeria Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, described the project as a “landmark initiative and the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

He praised the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to quality healthcare, notably highlighting the enrollment of over 1.5 million Imo indigenes in the free Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.

With a promise of readiness and commitment to the timely completion of the project, Professor Ekwueme expressed confidence that the Robotic Surgical Centre will significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of citizens while positively impacting the socio-economic development of Imo State.