By Onyinyechi Nwankwo
The Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amb. Adm. Willie T.C. Okolieogwo, has hailed Governor Hope Uzodimma for encouraging the successful building, installation and launching of a Robotic Assisted Surgery and Oncology Centre in Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area.
He described the feat as a landmark achievement, which he added would significantly transform, as well as improve healthcare delivery, boosting healthy living among residents and revenue generation in Imo State, saying health is wealth.
Okolieogwo, who was among top government functionaries that joined Governor Hope Uzodimma to officially commission the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, on Friday, which automatically commenced medical operations, said the medical facility is a major milestone in the 3R administration.
He reiterated that the Digital Hospital will strengthen the quality of life of Imo citizens, noting that access to advanced Surgical and Cancer Treatment in the state would reduce the burden on residents who he said previously travelled abroad for specialized medical attention and care.
The Special Adviser lauded Uzodimma for his political will and strategic direction that made the project possible, hinting that the development had further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to modern infrastructure, specialized healthcare and the wellness of the people.
Equipped with the advanced Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, the Centre provides high precision, minimally invasive surgical procedures, alongside specialized Oncology Services for the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers and complex medical conditions.
The development places Imo among the few locations in Africa where patients can access Robotic Assisted Surgery within a public healthcare system.
Governor Uzodimma, after commissioning the Centre, inspected the facility and described the successful Robotic Assisted Surgery as a major step towards providing quality, affordable healthcare for Imo residents.
Uzodimma explained that the Centre was established not only for advanced treatment but also to promote early detection and prevention through routine medical examinations, stating that the Center operates under a Public Private Partnership arrangement to support sustainability and quality management.
The Governor pointed out that the investment goes beyond acquiring sophisticated equipment, stressing the importance of building local capacity through continuous training.
“Our plan has never been to acquire sophisticated medical equipment and leave it idle. Equipment must be matched with competence and technology must be matched with training”, Uzodimma said.
Speaking, the Chief Medical Director of IROC, Prof. Dr. Kingsley Ekwueme, disclosed that the First Robotic Assisted Surgery in Imo State was a complete historic success.
Doctor Ekwueme, an illustrious Imo indigene and a United Kingdom based Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, disclosed that the procedure involved a patient with localized Prostate Cancer, demonstrating the potential of Robotic Surgery in treating complex urological conditions.
The medic affirmed that the technology enables surgeons to remove cancerous tissues with greater precision while helping to preserve vital functions, including urinary and sexual functions.
While urging residents to take advantage of the facility, register with the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, Ekwueme reflected that, “the success rate of Robotic Surgery for Cancer, especially Prostate Cancer, is phenomenal.”
The Robotic Centre is located within the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma,
