The Enugu State Government says its newly constructed 300-bed specialist hospital will begin providing medical services before December, marking a major milestone in the state's drive to improve healthcare and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek treatment overseas.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, gave the update while speaking on the progress of the project. He said the hospital is being equipped with cutting-edge medical facilities and technologies that are rarely available in the South-East.
According to him, one of the hospital's standout features is a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which will enable doctors to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions without patients having to travel outside the region.
He explained that the cath lab allows specialists to insert tiny tubes into blood vessels leading to the heart to identify and correct cardiovascular problems, describing it as a major breakthrough for healthcare in the region.
Professor Ugwu also disclosed that the hospital's dialysis centre will house more than 10 dialysis machines to cater to patients with kidney-related illnesses. He added that the facility will operate with a central oxygen supply system, eliminating the need for patients to rely on oxygen cylinders.
He noted that the specialist hospital is designed to meet international standards, with modern equipment and infrastructure aimed at delivering quality healthcare services.
The commissioner said the hospital will function as the state's top referral centre, receiving patients from primary healthcare centres, cottage hospitals, general hospitals, teaching hospitals and other federal health institutions across Enugu State.
To ensure the hospital is adequately staffed with highly skilled professionals, the state government is also reaching out to Nigerian medical experts living abroad.
According to him, many diaspora specialists have shown willingness to return home and contribute to the transformation of the state's healthcare sector under Governor Peter Mbah's administration.
Professor Ugwu expressed optimism that the new facility will significantly improve access to specialised healthcare and help reduce the number of Nigerians travelling abroad in search of advanced medical treatment.
