NNPC Foundation, has commissioned and handed over a fully installed 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
The intervention by NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., was in furtherance of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria.
MRI machine was expected to significantly improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging services for millions of Nigerians across the South-Eastern states, as well as neighbouring Delta State.
The intervention involved the delivery, installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine.
This was alongside critical supporting infrastructure, including RF shielding systems, chillers, backup UPS systems, electrical installations, specialised imaging accessories, ventilation systems, CCTV and oxygen monitoring systems, intercom communication facilities, and other patient comfort technologies designed to ensure optimal operation of the facility.
Prior to the intervention, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced prolonged waiting periods, exorbitant costs, and the burden of travelling long distances in search of functional imaging centres.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, NAUTH Permanent Site, Anambra State, was conducted on Friday, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari.
Ojulari, represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as a strategic investment in healthcare access, diagnostic precision, and improved patient outcomes.
He noted that the facility aligns with the commitment of NNPC Ltd to building sustainable systems and impactful national institutions.
“The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies.
“This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity,” the GCEO stated in a release by the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Sunday.
Ojulari described NNPC’s social investments as viable currencies that strengthen the relationship between the company’s core mandate of providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
In his remarks, Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the intervention would enhance safe and precise diagnosis and treatment for patients across the South-East Region.
He commended NNPC Foundation for donating the MRI machine to the state, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people.
Also speaking, Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, who was represented by Chief Supply Chain Officer, NNPC Ltd., Isokariari Telema, restated the company’s commitment to responsive and equitable social investments aimed at positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.
“In over 40 years of its existence, NNPC has stayed the course in impacting lives positively across Nigeria – supporting with infrastructural development, social amenities, educational sponsorships, and a host of other projects and initiatives that have underscored our values of Integrity, Excellence and Sustainability,” she said.
On his part, Chief Medical Director, NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, lauded the NNPC leadership for recognising the strategic importance of healthcare to national prosperity and well-being.
He also assured the Foundation of the commitment of the hospital to maximising the MRI Machine for public benefit.
”For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distance to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs.
“With this installation, we will eliminate that burden. NNPC Foundation has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is not just a policy statement but a lifeline for the institutions like ours.” he added.
