Imo State has recorded its first robotic assisted surgery, marking what the state government described as a major step in the expansion of specialised healthcare.
The procedure was carried out at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre within the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex in Umuguma, Owerri.
A team of Nigerian and international specialists led by United Kingdom based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon Kingsley Ekwueme performed the operation.
Ekwueme described the procedure as successful and said robotic assisted techniques could offer important advantages in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.
He said the technology allows surgeons to operate with greater precision while reducing damage to surrounding tissue and improving the chances of preserving urinary and sexual function.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who witnessed the procedure, said the state wanted advanced treatment to become more accessible to residents who might otherwise travel outside Imo or Nigeria for specialist care.
He said the centre was also expected to support early diagnosis and disease prevention through routine examinations and modern diagnostic services.
Uzodimma stressed that the project was not simply about buying sophisticated equipment.
He said sustainability would depend on training local specialists and ensuring that the technology was supported by the required clinical expertise.
The governor said the centre operates under a public private partnership in which private investors provide most of the funding.
According to him, the model is intended to support professional management, maintenance and long term viability.
The Imo Specialist Hospital Complex has also been expanded with improved intensive care facilities, diagnostic services, surgical theatres, neonatal care and oncology departments.
Uzodimma encouraged residents to enrol in the state health insurance programme to reduce the cost of accessing specialist treatment.
The government said the milestone would be measured ultimately by the number of patients treated, skills transferred to Nigerian medical personnel and confidence built in the local health system.
