By Ginika Oguji
The Comprehensive Medical Centre, Awkuzu, recently recorded a major milestone in healthcare delivery with the launch of a telemedicine project aimed at improving access to quality medical services for residents of Awkuzu and surrounding communities.
The project, which was initiated and executed by the Late Prof. Felix O.C.Ndu family of Umuobi Awkuzu was in honour of their late patriarch, Prof. Felix O.C.Ndu, a distinguished academic and advocate for education and community development.
The initiative reflects a strong commitment to leveraging modern technology to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in undeserved and semi-urban areas.
Commissioning the centre, the Traditional Ruler of Akwuzu, Igwe, Prof. Charles Anikweze lauded the philanthropic spirit of the family, especially that of Mr. Emeka Ndu who is the board Chairman of Comprehensive Medical Centre Awkuzu.
Igwe Anikweze commending the highly sophisticated electronic gadgets at the centre stated that indeed Awkuzu is blessed and arguably the first town in the state to access this type of quality health care whereby a patient can be examined by a doctor in the Diaspora right here in Awkuzu.
In his speech, the program initiator, Mr Emeka Ndu said that the tele-medicine platform launched at Comprehensive Medical Centre, Awkuzu is part of a pilot telemedicine hub designed to link the centre with doctors and specialists in other locations (Diaspora ) using telecommunication technologies.
Educating the audience of the centre’s features during the commissioning, Mr Ndu outlined the Key features of the initiative which includes, remote consultations that enables community health workers at Awkuzu to connect patients directly with remote doctors for real-time consultations.
Diagnosis and treatment support through video and network connections, whereby doctors are able to diagnose and advise on patient care without the need for physical presence.
The Director of planning and statistics of the State Ministry of Health, Mrs Ngozi Nwachukwu commending the initiative said that it will greatly improve healthcare outcomes through timelier diagnosis and treatment and also reduce healthcare costs associated with traveling and prolonged hospital stays.
Earlier on in her speech, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adaobi Odina commending the initiative reflects its positive capability to strengthen local capacity by enabling health workers to collaborate with specialists remotely.
The launch of the tele-medicine centre Awkuzu by Mr Emeka Ndu whose advocacy for modern, technology-driven healthcare services will greatly contribute in galvanising community and government support for tele-medicine in the state. His role in championing this initiative demonstrates a commitment to innovating healthcare delivery in Awkuzu and beyond.
Ginika is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
