Uzodimma Seeks Global Support For Imo Medical City

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has unveiled plans to establish a world-class medical city and seeks international collaboration to transform the state into a hub for quality and affordable healthcare.

This is as Diaspora Medical Outreach committed over $500,000 for healthcare delivery in the state.

The governor also 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 accessable by the people.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ANPA Medical Mission to Imo State, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House Owerri, 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.

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 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.