Imo State has recorded a major milestone in healthcare delivery with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted surgery at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri.

The procedure was performed by a team of medical personnel led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon.

Addressing the media,Thursday, at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC) where the surgery took place, Ekwueme described the operation as a "complete success," particularly highlighting the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

He said the technology enables surgeons to remove cancerous tissues while preserving vital functions, including erectile and urinary control.

“The success rate of robotic surgery for cancer, especially prostate cancer, is phenomenal,” he said, stressing that "patients should not have to suffer prolonged incontinence or loss of sexual function after prostate surgery."

Governor Hope Uzodimma, who witnessed the landmark procedure, described the development as a major step towards providing residents with quality and affordable healthcare.

The Governor told the media that the facility would serve, not only as a treatment centre, but will also "promote early detection and prevention through routine medical check-ups."

Uzodimma disclosed that the facility operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the majority of its funding coming from the private sector, which he said, "would help guarantee its sustainability and quality management.",

The Governor therefore urged residents to enrol in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to make advanced medical treatment more affordable and accessible to them.

On Thursday, at a pre-procedure media briefing at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma noted that Imo State was set to record a major healthcare breakthrough Friday, August 21, 2026 with its first-ever robotic-assisted surgical operation at the newly established IROC located within the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex.

Uzodimma had described the achievement as a testament to strategic State investments aimed at revolutionising local medical care.

"The landmark operation will be led by UK-based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, an indigene of Imo State, alongside an international team of medical specialists from Europe and the United States."

Uzodimma emphasised that the state-of-the-art facility was built, not just for advanced patient care, but as a hub for continuous skill transfer to local healthcare workers.

His words: "Our plan has never been to acquire sophisticated medical equipment and leave it idle. Equipment must be matched with competence, and technology must be matched with training."

Uzodimma had highlighted: "Robotic-assisted techniques offer superior precision, minimal invasiveness, reduced blood loss, and significantly faster recovery times for patients.

"The Robotics and Oncology Centre is part of a broader upgrade to the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex, which now boasts expanded Intensive Care Units (ICU), advanced diagnostic facilities, modern surgical theatres, neonatal care, and specialized oncology departments."

The Governor reaffirmed the Imo State’s commitment to expanding coverage through the Imo Health Insurance Scheme.

"The real measure of success will be in the patients treated, the skills transferred, the specialists developed, the lives improved, and the confidence that our people build in our local healthcare system," Uzodimma insisted, adding, "this milestone is merely the beginning of Imo State’s journey toward becoming a premier destination for specialized medical care."

•PHOTO: Governor Hope Uzodimma (third left) and Prof Kingsley Ekwueme (third right), with other medical personnel after the successful completion of the first robotic-assisted surgery at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC) within the Imo Specialist Hospital Umuguma Owerri... Friday