Governor Hope Uzodimma has unveiled plans to establish a world-class Medical City in Imo State, seeking international collaboration to transform the State into a hub for quality and affordable healthcare.

Specifically, the Governor has indicated the readiness of Imo State government to partner members of the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to train the personnel of the Ministry of Health and related agencies on transfer of contemporary medical knowledge and skill for the purpose of domesticating same and making healthcare delivery easily accessible by the people.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ANPA Medical Mission to Imo State, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House Owerri, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Governor said the initiative forms part of a broader 25-year development agenda aimed at reducing medical tourism and attracting global investment.

“We want to reverse the trend where our people travel abroad for treatment. Instead, we aim to make Imo a destination for medical solutions,” he stated.

Uzodimma commended the visiting medical team from the United States for their humanitarian efforts, urging a shift from short-term outreach to long-term partnership. “Medical missions are commendable, but sustainable healthcare requires stronger collaboration,” he said.

He stressed the importance of training as a key component of the mission, noting that equipping local health workers and residents with emergency response knowledge and skills could significantly reduce preventable deaths.

The Governor also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the establishment of a Central Drug Distribution System to eliminate fake drugs and improve standards of care.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to healthcare development, Uzodimma said Imo offers a conducive environment for investment, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades and policy support.

He urged the visiting professionals to partner with the State in building a resilient healthcare system, expressing optimism that the relationship would yield long-term benefits.

Governor Uzodimma invited the visiting medical practitioners to be "ambassadors of Imo," as the State is on the rise in ways that will be a win-win situation for her and her partners.

President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Dr. Cliff Eke disclosed that the group’s ongoing medical outreach in Imo State is aimed at building sustainable healthcare systems rather than offering short-term interventions.

Dr. Eke described the programme as part of the broader Diaspora Health Initiative (DHI), conceived to harness the expertise of Nigerian health professionals abroad.

He noted that over 120 volunteer healthcare professionals, including surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and specialists across multiple disciplines, had travelled from the United States and the United Kingdom to participate in the exercise.

“ANPA (2026) Week is more than a Medical Mission. It focuses on knowledge exchange, skills transfer and capacity building, alongside free medical and surgical services,” he said.

Dr. Eke explained that the initiative was inspired by the need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, expressing hope that such missions would eventually become unnecessary. “Our greatest hope is that one day medical missions will be rare, because the system has become self-sustaining,” he added.

He disclosed that activities for the week include complex surgeries, health screenings, and training programmes such as basic life support and newborn care.

According to him, the outreach, valued at over $500,000, underscores the diaspora’s commitment to supporting healthcare delivery in Nigeria through collaboration with local institutions and government agencies.

The Group had earlier in the day joined Governor Uzodimma to worship at the Government House Chapel where the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe preached on humanity's need for God's mercy as the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Divine Mercy.

Present at the event were the wife of the Governor, Barr Chioma Uzodimma, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon Nkiru Onyejiocha, former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, Deputy National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress, Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim; Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Kalu Uche and other members of the clergy.

Traditional rulers, Local Government Council Chairmen, Imo APC executives, captains of industries, opinion leaders, stakeholders as well as members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council were present at the event.

•PHOTO, From left: President of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, Dr. Cliff Eke, member, Dr. Ngozika Nwaneri, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, his wife, Chioma, and the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, during the inauguration of the ANPA 2026 Medical Week at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri... Sunday

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