Imo revolutionises healthcare with robotic surgery centre

…a leap in advanced Prostate and Minimally Invasive Care

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is advancing healthcare revolution in Nigeria with the establishment of a Robotic Surgery Centre at Umuguma Specialist Hospital in Owerri West Local Government Area of the State.

This flagship initiative, driven by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Administration, marks a significant milestone in transforming healthcare delivery in the state and positions Imo, as a leader in medical innovation in Nigeria.

BusinessDay gathered that the centre, branded, as the “Prostate Clinic (Robotics Centre),” is part of broader facility improvement works at the hospital. It will introduce cutting-edge robotic surgery enabling minimally invasive procedures with enhanced surgical precision.

Key benefits will include reduced recovery times, lower complication risks, and improved outcomes for patients—particularly in urological surgeries such as prostate cancer treatment, where robotic assistance excels in preserving nerve function and continence.

The project stems from a landmark multi-partner agreement signed earlier in 2026 between the Imo State Government, Heartland Hospital Management Corporation (handling administration), Prostate Clinic Limited (providing specialized robotic expertise).

The facility spearheaded by Kingsley Ekwueme, a Professor, who is a pioneer in Nigerian robotic and urological surgery, said that the centre would not only deliver world-class clinical care, but also function as a training and research hub to build local medical capacity and curb outbound medical tourism.

Governor Uzodimma described the initiative as a commitment to leveraging private-sector investment and advanced technologies, including AI elements for better healthcare access.

Once operational, the facility is expected to elevate Imo State’s specialist hospital, attract medical tourism, and set a benchmark for technology-integrated medicine across the state.

This development underscores ongoing efforts to modernise Imo’s health sector under the current administration.