REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State Government had established an Implant Shop at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, to improve access to essential surgical implants and enhance the quality of specialised surgical care for patients.
The facility is designed to support orthopaedic, neurosurgical and other implant-related procedures.
The facility is part of broader efforts to enhance specialised healthcare delivery and reinforce hospital’s role as a major referral health institution.
Surgical implants are medical devices used to support, replace, repair or stabilise damaged parts of the body.
Such devices are commonly required in the management of fractures, joint replacement procedures, neurosurgical conditions and other specialised interventions.
The Chief Medical Director of COOUTH Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu explained that having an Implant Shop within the hospital will make it easier for patients and medical teams to obtain the required materials when needed.
She said that it will reduce delays that often occur when implants have to be sourced from outside the hospital and in some cases from other states.
The CMD emphasised that timely access to appropriate implants is particularly important for victims of road traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries, as delays in surgical intervention can affect recovery.
Doctor Umeakuewulu stated that the institution is still a work in progress and is working to ensure necessary implant materials are readily available and suitable for specific procedures while improving coordination among the hospital’s surgical specialties.
She noted that beyond immediate patient care, the Implant Shop is expected to strengthen COOUTH’s capacity to deliver specialised surgical services and reduce the need for patients to travel elsewhere in search of essential implants.
According to her, with proper management, quality control and regular availability of approved implants, the facility is expected to contribute to safer, more efficient and patient-centred care.
Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the initiative is also seen as a reflection of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and improving access to quality healthcare in line with the Anambra Vision 2070.
