The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has donated a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, to strengthen healthcare services in Northern Nigeria.

The medical diagnostic equipment was inaugurated and handed over to the hospital management in Kano on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo-Ojulari, said the intervention reflected the company’s commitment to improving lives through strategic investments in critical sectors, including healthcare, education and energy.

Mr Bayo-Ojulari, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said the company remained committed to its corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the foundation had embarked on a series of healthcare projects in line with the company’s goal of contributing to national development.

“The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, is a vital institution in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape with a long-standing reputation in trauma and orthopaedic care.

“Strengthening its diagnostic capacity will significantly improve service delivery and reduce the burden of accessibility and affordability on patients,” he said.

Mr Bayo-Ojulari noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system continued to face challenges, including infrastructure deficits, equipment shortages and increasing demand for specialised services.

He said the intervention would enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care outcomes.

The NNPC chief urged stakeholders to ensure proper utilisation, protection and maintenance of the equipment to guarantee its sustainability.

The Executive Vice-President, Business Services, NNPC, Sophia Mbakwe, said the MRI machine would significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose complex orthopaedic, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Ms Mbakwe, represented by the executive director, programme management at the NNPC Foundation, Rose Okonkwo, said the intervention would ensure that advanced healthcare services became more accessible and affordable to residents of Kano and beyond.

Also, the managing director of NNPC Foundation Limited, Ms Arukwe, represented by the executive director, programme development, NNPC Foundation, Bala David, described the installation of the MRI machine as a major milestone in advancing healthcare delivery.

Ms Arukwe said inadequate medical equipment remained a challenge in many developing countries, often resulting in delayed diagnosis, long-distance referrals and additional financial burdens on patients.

She said the MRI system would improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce treatment delays and support better clinical outcomes.

Earlier, the medical director of the Orthopaedic Hospital, Isa Nurudeen, described the donation as the fulfilment of the hospital’s long-standing aspiration.

He said the absence of an MRI machine had compelled patients to travel long distances for advanced diagnostic services, leading to treatment delays and increased costs.

Mr Nurudeen said the new MRI machine would significantly improve diagnosis and treatment planning for orthopaedic, neurological, surgical, paediatric and gynaecological conditions.

“The MRI machine being commissioned today is the most modern in Northern Nigeria. It was manufactured in 2025 and will greatly enhance our capacity to deliver quality specialised healthcare services.

“This intervention will save patients the stress and cost of seeking advanced imaging services outside Kano and will improve the quality and timeliness of care,” he said.

The medical director commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation and pledged the hospital’s commitment to ensuring proper utilisation and maintenance of the facility.

In his remarks, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano, represented by the commissioner for health, Abubakar Labaran, described the donation as timely and impactful.

Mr Kabir-Yusuf lauded the NNPC Foundation for supporting healthcare delivery and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and services to improve citizens’ well-being.

(NAN)