By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved a total sum of N592, 271, 792.48 for procuring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital situated in Ile-Ife, South West Nigeria.
Ekumankama Joseph, the Minister of State for Health, briefed State House Correspondents on the approval.
He noted that the procurement became necessary following poor services to patients suffering from ailments requiring thorough diagnosis.
According to the Minister, FEC approved the purchase of the single unit 1.5 MRI equipment to replace the obsolete one of 0.2, which is no longer up to standard.
Joseph is optimistic that upon delivery and installation of the equipment, patients who go through pain travelling to access better health services will stay back and access them at leisure.
“The memo that we presented from the Federal Ministry of Health is for the procurement of MRI equipment for the Obafemi Awolowo University Hospital, that is Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment, you may not be aware that the University hospital has only one 0.2 Tesla MRI equipment, which is no longer up to standard when you compare it with the advanced technology,” he said.
“That has made the availability of 1.5 MRI equipment for diagnostic services in most hospitals, both within and outside the country.”
“So we have been having challenges of giving the best health services to people, patients who come to the hospital for diagnostic services and treatment.”
“So, today FEC, in its wisdom, approved for procurement and supply of one unit A 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, and other accessories for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife in favour of Messrs CG Gasta Company Limited in the sum of N592,271,792.48k this is inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of six months.”
“With the procurement of this equipment, it is strongly believed that most patients that usually travel to Lagos or another surrounding environment close to Ile-Ife, to seek better medical services will now be able to have the comfort and leisure of staying back in Ife to get the medical services they need in terms of diagnosis and treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.”
“So we thank the Council for the privilege of receiving this kind of approval which will go a long way to strengthen the health services at the University Teaching Hospital.”
