Mbarie lauds Uzodimma as Imo Records landmark robotic-assisted surgery

…Says milestone marks new chapter in healthcare delivery, strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to retain medical expertise

The Executive Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Chris Mbarie, JP, has commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, for what he described as a landmark transformation in the state’s healthcare sector, following the successful commencement of robotic-assisted surgery at the Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri.

The historic procedure, performed at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC) at the Specialist Hospital, represents a major milestone in the advancement of specialist healthcare in Imo State and Nigeria. Reports indicate that the procedure was led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a globally recognised consultant in robotic and laparoscopic surgery and Lead Urological Surgeon at Glan Clwyd Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Hon. Mbarie described the development as evidence of what purposeful leadership, strategic investment and visionary governance can achieve when modern technology is deliberately integrated into public healthcare.

According to him, the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery in a state-owned specialist hospital goes beyond the acquisition of sophisticated medical equipment; it represents a fundamental shift in the capacity of the state to provide advanced and complex medical interventions locally.

He noted that robotic-assisted surgery can provide surgeons with enhanced precision, control and visualisation during complex procedures and, in appropriate cases, may contribute to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and faster recovery. The technology therefore has the potential to significantly improve the quality of surgical care available to patients.

The Orlu Council Chairman particularly praised Governor Uzodimma for investing in medical infrastructure and specialist services capable of reducing the need for Nigerians to travel abroad in search of advanced treatment.

“This is more than a medical procedure; it is a statement about the future we are building in Imo State. The successful deployment of robotic-assisted surgery demonstrates that with vision, investment and the right partnerships, world-class healthcare can be delivered here in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the people and government of Orlu Local Government Area, I commend His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his commitment to repositioning the healthcare sector and for giving Imo State a platform to participate meaningfully in the future of technology-driven medicine.”

Hon. Mbarie further observed that the establishment of the Robotics and Oncology Centre could have far-reaching implications beyond surgery itself.

He said the facility has the potential to encourage the training and development of Nigerian medical professionals, attract specialists and medical partnerships from around the world, stimulate investment in healthcare technology and create an environment where young Nigerian doctors and other health professionals can gain exposure to modern medical practices.

He added that such investments could also help reverse the trend of medical tourism by making sophisticated healthcare services increasingly available within the country.

The Council Chairman expressed optimism that the development would contribute to positioning Imo State as a major destination for specialist healthcare in Nigeria and potentially attract patients from other parts of the country and beyond.

He noted that the significance of the development extends to the wider Nigerian healthcare system, stressing that every successful deployment of advanced medical technology within the country represents an opportunity to build local capacity, retain expertise and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare institutions.

Hon. Mbarie also commended the medical professionals, technical partners and healthcare workers whose expertise and dedication contributed to the achievement, describing their efforts as an important demonstration of the capacity of Nigerian professionals to operate at international standards.

He called for the continued support and expansion of initiatives that promote innovation, research, specialist training and technology-driven healthcare, stressing that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that Nigerians can access quality and advanced medical care without necessarily leaving the country.

The Chairman concluded by congratulating Governor Uzodimma and the people of Imo State on the historic achievement, expressing confidence that the development would open the door to even greater breakthroughs in healthcare, technology and human capital development.

“Today, Imo is not merely participating in the conversation about the future of healthcare; we are taking a significant step towards shaping that future. This is a development that deserves to be celebrated, sustained and expanded for the benefit of Ndi Imo and Nigerians at large.”