Emma Elekwa
Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Anambra state, Prof Joseph Ugbaja has described newly acquired 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system at the Radiology Department of the Hospital as installation of hope, precision and excellence in healthcare delivery for the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
Ugbaja who stated this on Friday at the commissioning and handover of the System donated by NNPC Foundation Limited, said the system represents a quantum leap in the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.
According to him, MRI remains the gold standard for detailed visualization of soft tissues, neurological structures, musculoskeletal systems, and oncological conditions.
“For too long, patients in our catchment detailed visualization of soft tissues, neurological structures, musculoskeletal area have had to travel long distances to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs.
“With this installation, we eliminate that burden. We bring world-class diagnostics to the doorstep of our people,” he added.
Ugbaja further revealed that the intervention aligned with the 10-year strategic and development plan of the hospital; President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the 4-point strategic pillars of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
“It aligns with improving governance of the health sector, enhancing population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain and ensuring health security,” he noted.
Appreciating GCEO and entire management of NNPC Limited for their ‘transformative gift’ to the hospital, NAUTH CMD said the benefactors have not just donated equipment, but invested in human lives.
“You’ve strengthened our capacity to train the next generation of radiologists, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and oncologists. You have empowered our researchers to explore new frontiers in medical imaging.
“This MRI will not sit idle-it will work tirelessly, day and night, serving the sick, guiding our clinicians, and advancing our academic mission,” he stated.
The CMD however charged the hospital staff to handle the equipment with the professionalism and care it deserved.
Professionalism requested
He added,” To our staff the consultants, residents, radiographers, nurses, and technicians who will operate this system – I charge you to handle this equipment with the professionalism and care it deserves.
“Let every image produced here be a testament to excellence, every diagnosis be swift and accurate. Let every patient who lies within that bore feel the confidence that they are receiving care comparable to anywhere in the world.
“We recognize that equipment alone does not a great hospital. It is the human beings behind the equipment – their expertise, their compassion, their dedication.
“That is why we have simultaneously invested in training and human resource development, ensuring that the team managing this MRI meets international standards of practice.”
Response to a challenge
Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe said the gesture was in response to numerous challenges facing healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the area of access to advanced diagnostic services.
“For many families, obtaining critical diagnostic scans such as Magnetic Resonances Imaging MRI often requires travelling long distances, enduring extended waiting periods, and in some cases delaying urgently needed medical care because of cost or limited availability.
“It is in response to challenges such as these that NPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the social impact arm of NPC Limited, has supported the installation and commissioning of a modern 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital.
“This intervention represents far more than the installation of medical equipment. It is a practical investment in healthcare access, diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes for millions of Nigerians across the South East and neighbouring region.
“Patients from Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Delta States will now have greater access to timely and reliable imaging services closer to home, “she added.
