Firm Targets Training Gaps Among Nigerian Doctors

Cassona Healthcare Group has unveiled a new initiative in Lagos to transform healthcare delivery across Nigeria. The initiative provides affordable medical equipment and hands-on training for doctors.

According to the chairman and CEO of Cassona Healthcare Group, John Chigbu, the company’s mission is to provide affordable medical imaging equipment and ensure that the equipment functions optimally every day.

Chigbu’s unconventional solution was to offer credit facilities to medical professionals, citing their qualifications and reputation as collateral. “We bring equipment at more affordable rates. You pay 20 per cent upfront and spread the balance over 24 months, while we maintain it so it never fails.

We will also train doctors, radiologists, sonographers and provide backup power systems to keep equipment running during power cuts,” he said.

The CEO also noted that many African doctors were trained theoretically and lack hands-on experience with modern machines, which Cassona aims to change through structured training and continuous support.

The company has also begun building diagnostic centres and fast-tracked hospitals to help private practitioners deliver quality care without the heavy financial burden of acquiring equipment outright.

“We know that modern equipment comes with advanced functionalities, yet most of the education across the continent is largely theoretical, as many institutions lack the equipment needed for hands-on training. So we decided to train professionals not by providing a two-hour lesson or a video but by establishing an academy. Right now, it’s mobile, moving from place to place.

“We have also created Cassona Edge, an academy where medical doctors can receive refresher courses like continuing medical education, and radiologists, sonographers, and radiologic technologists can all come and see the equipment and observe it in motion.

“Another initiative we’ve undertaken is the construction of hospitals and diagnostic centres. We call our diagnostic centre an experience centre because we want people to experience what it’s like to visit a real radiology facility and see the kind of service and equipment available,” he pointed out.

At the time, he said: “We were advised that the most important thing was to do what is called a “proof of concept.” Nigeria is a huge, complex market. To do what we’ve done, we had to start small, so we picked Ghana. Today, we have installed approximately 140 medical diagnostic imaging systems in Ghana. We’ve fielded more than 300 service calls, each responded to within 24 hours and resolved within 48.

“At Cassona, our goal is not to create a monopoly but to galvanise the private sector to join forces in making healthcare work in Nigeria. He stressed that the government’s role is to create an enabling environment, while it is up to the private sector to drive innovation and progress in healthcare.”

The commercial counsellor for the US to Nigeria, Julie LeBlanc, praised Cassona’s groundbreaking work in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of medical imaging equipment and training for local healthcare professionals.

LeBlanc noted that Cassona’s approach to whole-of-life product support, which includes aftermarket service and training for locally based technicians and medical personnel, aligns with the US government’s goals for healthcare development in Nigeria.

LeBlanc emphasised that the US government is committed to supporting private sector partnerships and Nigerian businesses in building a healthier future for the country.

“Cassona’s growth is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in driving economic growth and improving healthcare outcomes. We look forward to continued collaboration and to seeing the impact of Cassona’s work on economic growth and healthcare outcomes for years to come,” said LeBlanc.

Also speaking, Ogunyemi said, Lagos State is keen on partnerships with innovative players like Cassona to support its THEMES Plus health agenda.

“They take the stress out of buying and managing equipment by providing training, parts, and maintenance in one package. Those are the kinds of partnerships we want,” she said. “We know the government alone cannot do it, and our goal is to ensure Lagosians get access to quality, affordable healthcare.”