Efforts by University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to upgrade its medical centre received a big boost recently following the donation of various equipment worth over N6 million by a medical equipment company, Equator Medics International Limited.
Some of the equipment include a multi-purpose operating table for surgical procedures of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen. The facility which can be raised or lowered hydraulically by means of an oil pump is also used for gynecological and orthopedics operations.
Supplies also are an Ultrasound Scanning Machine. The scanning machine is mainly applied in the dynamic image diagnosis of the liver, gall bladder, spleen, kidney, urinary bladder, pancreatic gland, as well as in gynecological tests. According to Ambassador (Dr) Romanus Anayo Okafor, the managing director of the company, it is also used for pregnancy and contraception examinations.
Others are Hematology analyzer which is used for blood analyses and testing of 21 parameters in the blood and a Patient monitor for body vital signs; ten hospital beds with crank and lyres each, Drip stands with swivel handle, ten number of hospital mattresses, one wheel chair, two examination couch, two ward screens, blood glucose meter, glucose strips and two automatic blood pressure meters.
Okafor, who presented the equipment to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Igwe, said it was a modest contribution in support of the commitment of the University management to provide quality medical services to the school community and members of the public.
“This is our little way of supporting the giant strides of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ugwu, at upgrading the University medical centre to a befitting status. It is my company’s believe that UNN deserves medical facilities befitting of an institution of its status.
“It is the collective responsibility of well-meaning Nigerians to support educational institutions in the country such as UNN as government cannot do it alone.”
He appealed to corporate organisations and alumni members to support the development of the University through construction or renovation of facilities in the institution.
“UNN has produced a lot of high profile individuals with the capacity to assist in the development of the school through collaborative efforts.
“We should not allow this great institution, which is the pride of Nigeria to lose its enviable position in the hierarchy in Nigeria and Africa.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Igwe, commended Okafor for the equipment, which he described as a major boost to the University’s commitment infrastructural development.
Professor Igwe, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Patrick Okpoko, said the equipment will go a long way in achieving his dream to turn around the facilities at the of UNN medical centre.
The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, expressed delight at the gesture of Equator Medics, the managing director of which, he described as worthy ambassador of UNN.
The minister, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Cajethan Nwadinigwe, called on other UNN Alumni to emulate the example of Okafor and support their alma mater.
He advised the University management to maximise the benefits of the equipment by ensuring proper maintenance and training of its personnel who will manage them to ensure optimal utility.
Seyi John Salau
