From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The healthcare sector in Anambra State received a significant boost on Friday as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital commissioned a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system donated by NNPC Foundation Limited, a development described as a new era of hope and precision in medical diagnosis.
Speaking during the commissioning and handover ceremony at the hospital’s Radiology Department in Nnewi, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof Joseph Ugbaja, said the installation marks a major breakthrough in the hospital’s diagnostic capacity and healthcare delivery.
According to him, the sophisticated MRI system represents the gold standard in modern diagnostic imaging, especially for neurological, musculoskeletal and oncological conditions.
He noted that for years, patients within the hospital’s catchment areas had been forced to travel long distances and spend huge amounts of money to access advanced MRI services.
“With this installation, we eliminate that burden. We are bringing world-class diagnostic services to the doorstep of our people,” he declared.
Ugbaja explained that the project aligns with the hospital’s 10-year strategic development plan, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the four-point agenda of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare aimed at improving governance in the health sector, enhancing healthcare outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain and ensuring health security.
The CMD expressed profound appreciation to the management of NNPC Foundation for what he described as a “transformative gift,” stressing that the organization had invested not only in equipment but in human lives and the future of medical education.
“You have 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,” he said.
He assured that the MRI machine would be fully utilized to improve patient care, support clinical decisions and advance the hospital’s academic and research missions.
Ugbaja also charged medical personnel who would operate the equipment to maintain the highest level of professionalism and excellence.
“Let every image produced here be a testament to excellence. Let 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,” he added.
He further revealed that the hospital had already invested heavily in manpower development and training to ensure that personnel handling the MRI system meet international best practices.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Limited, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said the intervention became necessary due to the enormous pressure facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in accessing advanced diagnostic services.
She observed that many Nigerians are often compelled to travel far distances, endure long waiting periods and delay critical medical treatment because of the scarcity and high cost of MRI services.
Arukwe described the installation of the modern MRI machine at NAUTH as more than just a donation of equipment, saying it is a direct investment in improved healthcare access, diagnostic accuracy and better patient outcomes.
According to her, the facility will serve millions of people across the South East and neighbouring states, including Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Delta.
“Patients will now have greater access to timely and reliable imaging services closer to home,” she added.
