Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma announced the successful completion of the first robotics-assisted surgery at Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, describing the procedure as a historic milestone in the state’s healthcare transformation.
The procedure was carried out at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC) within the specialist hospital in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area.
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The centre was established to expand access to advanced surgical and oncology services while supporting the state’s ambition to reduce dependence on overseas medical treatment.
“Today, I am delighted as we witness a historic milestone at Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, with the first robotics-assisted surgery,” Uzodimma said in a statement shared on his X account.
The achievement marks the fulfilment of a healthcare project that had been in development for several months.
In January 2026, the Imo State Government signed an agreement with IDCL Surgicals Limited to establish a robotic surgical centre, with consultant robotic and urological surgeon Professor Kingsley Ekwueme associated with the initiative.
Preparations intensified in March, when state health authorities began coordinating the specialist hospital, the Imo State University Teaching Hospital and other agencies around the planned centre and wider hospital upgrades.
By August, the facility had progressed from planning to active operations.
The Imo Robotic Surgery and Oncology Centre was established through a public-private partnership involving the state government and was positioned to provide advanced minimally invasive surgery and cancer care.
Uzodimma said the state had completed an upgrade of the specialist hospital, including a dedicated building for the Robotics Centre.
He added that the facility had been equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technology.
“I am proud that we are positioning Imo Specialist Hospital to provide quality, accessible, and world-class healthcare for Ndi Imo,” the governor said.
The development is significant beyond the introduction of a new surgical technique.
Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to control specialised instruments designed to provide greater precision, dexterity and visualisation during certain procedures.
The technology can support minimally invasive operations, although outcomes and suitability depend on the specific procedure, patient and clinical team involved.
The state government has presented the centre as part of a broader strategy to make advanced medical treatment available within Nigeria.
Uzodimma said the ambition was not limited to serving residents of Imo.
“Beyond serving our people, our vision is to make the hospital a credible destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
The development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s longstanding challenge of outbound medical tourism, particularly for highly specialised procedures.
Earlier this year, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare also highlighted the need to expand specialist services locally as part of efforts to reduce the burden of Nigerians travelling abroad for treatment.
Imo has simultaneously pursued other healthcare investments.
In June, the state government signed an agreement with the Federal Government for the takeover and upgrade of General Hospital, Okigwe, into a Federal Medical Centre, a move officials said would broaden access to specialist healthcare in the state.
The first Imo robotic surgery therefore represents both a technological breakthrough for the specialist hospital and a test of the state’s broader ambition to build a more sophisticated healthcare system.
Uzodimma said the milestone reflected his administration’s determination to improve confidence in public healthcare and expand access to advanced treatment.
“This milestone reaffirms our determination to build a healthcare system that inspires confidence, saves lives, and reflects the Imo we aspire to create,” he said.
The immediate significance lies in the successful launch of robotic-assisted surgery at the Umuguma facility.
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Its longer-term impact will depend on the centre’s ability to sustain specialist expertise, maintain the technology, train healthcare professionals and make the services sufficiently accessible to patients.
