Imo Specialist Hospital performs first robotic-assisted surgery

The Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted surgery at the newly established Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre. The procedure was led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon from the United Kingdom.

The facility operates under a public-private partnership and is designed to provide advanced care for oncology, urological conditions, and other complex diseases. This initiative aims to reduce the necessity for Nigerian citizens to travel abroad for specialized medical treatments. The center is also expected to serve as a hub for training medical professionals and fostering international partnerships.

To improve accessibility, the state has implemented the Imo State Health Insurance Programme, allowing eligible residents to access healthcare services for N15,000 per person annually. The introduction of robotic technology is intended to offer patients greater precision, smaller incisions, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.