Imo State will commence robotic-assisted surgery on Friday, a development Governor Hope Uzodimma described as a major milestone in the state’s healthcare delivery.
The first procedure will be performed at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, IROC, located within the reconstructed Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists at Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma said the initiative reflects his administration’s investment in modern healthcare infrastructure, specialist services and medical technology.
He noted that the upgraded Specialist Hospital now has accident and emergency, ICU, NICU, dedicated theatres, oxygen infrastructure, diagnostic services, maternity, paediatric, physiotherapy and mental health facilities.
According to the governor, the robotic surgical system has been installed and the theatre is ready for clinical use. The first surgery will be led by UK-based Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, alongside local medical professionals.
Uzodimma said the partnership is designed to transfer knowledge and expose Imo doctors to advanced surgical techniques. He explained that robotic-assisted surgery offers greater precision, supports minimally invasive procedures, reduces blood loss and shortens recovery time.
He added that the facility would save residents the cost and stress of travelling to Lagos or abroad for complex treatment.
The governor further disclosed that oncology services, MRI, CT scan, mammography and X-ray facilities are being integrated at the centre, along with internal oxygen production and hybrid power supply for uninterrupted operations.
On affordability, Uzodimma said the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme would ensure residents access quality care without financial burden.
He commended Prof. Ekwueme, hospital staff, engineers and contractors involved in the project, and stressed that robotic surgery is the beginning of a broader healthcare transformation.
“The success of this initiative will be measured by the number of patients treated, skills transferred, specialists developed and lives improved,” he said.
Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and manpower to restore public confidence in the state’s health institutions.
