Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Amaku- Awka, has established an Implant Shop to improve patients’ access to essential surgical implants and reduce delays in specialised surgical procedures.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, made the disclosure in a chat with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
Umeakuewulu, while noting that surgical implants are medical devices used to support, replace, repair or stabilise damaged parts of the body, explained that they are commonly required in orthopaedic, neurosurgical and other specialised procedures, including fracture management, joint replacement and treatment of traumatic injuries.
She said having the Implant Shop within the hospital would make it easier for medical teams and patients to obtain required implants when needed, particularly in emergencies such as road traffic accidents.
According to the medical expert, delays in sourcing appropriate implants from outside the hospital could affect the timing of surgical intervention and recovery.
She said the hospital was still working to ensure that necessary and approved implant materials are readily available and suitable for specific procedures, describing the initiative as “work in progress.”
“The facility is also expected to strengthen coordination among the hospital’s various surgical specialties and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state in search of essential surgical implants,” she said.
The medical expert added that with proper management, quality control and regular availability of approved implants, the facility would contribute to safer, more efficient and patient-centred surgical care at COOUTH.
Dr. Umeakuewulu also linked the initiative to the efforts of the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo to strengthen the health sector and improve access to quality healthcare.
She said the Implant Shop forms part of broader efforts to expand specialised healthcare delivery and strengthen COOUTH’s role as a referral and teaching hospital in Anambra State.
