By Ifeizu Joe
Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ugboaja has charged staff to ensure they handle equipment with the professionalism and care they deserve.
Ugboaja stated this in reference to the newly acquired 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system at the Radiology Department of the hospital which was donated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation Limited at the weekend.
He described the equipment as an installation of hope, precision and excellence in healthcare delivery for the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the System by NNPC Foundation Limited, Ugbaja said the system represents a quantum leap in the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.
According to him, MRI remains the gold standard for detailed visualisation of soft tissues, neurological structures, musculoskeletal systems, and oncological conditions.
He said: “For too long, patients in our catchment detailed visualisation of soft tissues, neurological structures, musculoskeletal area have had to travel long distances to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs.
“With this installation, we eliminate that burden. We bring world-class diagnostics to the doorstep of our people,” he added.
Ugbaja further revealed that the intervention aligned with the 10-year strategic and development plan of the hospital; President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Bashir Ojulari, described the project as a strategic investment in healthcare delivery and diagnostic capacity for millions of Nigerians.
Ojukari who was represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Ojulari said the installation would support early disease detection, faster clinical intervention and improved patient care across the South-East and neighbouring regions.
“Today marks a milestone achievement as NNPC Limited commissions and officially hands over equipment that is critical to optimal healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the intervention reflects the company’s broader corporate social responsibility agenda and commitment to strengthening public institutions beyond the energy sector.
Ojulari said the new MRI system would reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialised diagnostic services, lowering costs and easing the burden on families seeking medical care.
The installed MRI system includes supporting infrastructure such as radio-frequency shielding systems, chillers, backup power supply and specialised imaging accessories. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and training for radiographers, radiologists and technical personnel to ensure sustainable operations.
Arukwe said the project directly addresses gaps in healthcare access and diagnostic services identified across many underserved communities in Nigeria.
Citing a 2024 Nigeria Health Watch report, she noted that more than 250,000 Nigerians die annually due to inadequate access to healthcare services.
“What NNPC Limited through its Foundation has achieved today is significantly addressing these inadequacies through the MRI installation,” she said.
She added that the equipment would not only improve patient care but also serve as a training platform for future medical professionals.
Also, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, commended the NNPC Foundation for the intervention, describing the MRI installation as a major contribution to strengthening specialist healthcare services in the state and the wider South-East region.
