FIC Report (Imo State) – In line with the federal government’s resolve to improve the healthcare sector, the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has stated his intentions to seek international collaborations to establish a “World Class” medical city in the state.
He disclosed this at the inauguration of the Association Of The Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) Medical Mission to Imo State held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Owerri , noting that the initiative is targeted at decreasing medical tourism and increasing foreign investments.
The governor commended the visiting team from the United States of America for their efforts, and encouraged them to make the outreach a long-term collaboration.
He further reiterated the essence of training as part of the mission’s agenda, adding that furnishing local health workers with crisis interventions, knowledge and skills can minimise preventable deaths .
Governor Uzodimma also spotlighted the reforms in the health sector which includes establishment of a central drug centre system to checkmate fake drugs and improve the standards for care.
While reassuring his administration’s resolve to develop on the health care system, the governor explained that with the ongoing infrastructure advancement and policy support in the state, Imo is safe and conducive for investment.
He further encouraged the visiting professionals to collaborate with the state in establishing a resilient healthcare system, promising that this synergy will generate positive outcomes over time.
This he said should include their training the personnel of state’s health ministry and related establishments on contemporary medical knowledge and skills towards domesticating same and make healthcare accessible to citizens.
In his remarks, the President of ANPA, Dr Cliff Ejike stressed that their ongoing medical outreach in Imo state is targeted at establishing sustainable healthcare systems and inspired by the quest to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Dr Ejike further explained that the programme is part of the “Diaspora Health Initiative” (DHI) designed to leverage on the expertise of Nigerian health professionals abroad, adding that over one hundred and twenty (120) volunteer healthcare professionals comprising surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other related specialists from abroad are on ground to participate in the exercise.
According to Dr Ejike, the outreach, is part of diasporas’ assistance in healthcare delivery in Nigeria through partnership with local institutions and government establishments.
Highlights of their activities include complex surgeries, health screenings and training programmes.
AKUSHIE CHIOMA MARK HELEN
HOC, FIC Owerri.
13/4/2026
