ASABA/Nigeria: The management of Asaba Specialist Hospital has been commended for its initiative to provide free Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services, aimed at easing the financial burden on patients requiring specialised diagnosis.
The exercise, implemented under the leadership of the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, formed part of activities marking the commencement of MRI services at the facility.
The hospital recently introduced a Siemens 1.5 Tesla helium-free MRI system, expanding its capacity to provide advanced diagnostic imaging in Delta State and potentially reducing the need for residents to seek the service outside the state.
A Consultant Neurologist, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, described the intervention as timely, noting that improved access to MRI examinations could assist doctors in detecting medical conditions and making appropriate treatment decisions.
He said initiatives that reduce the financial barriers to specialised investigations were particularly important amid rising healthcare costs.
Beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and hospital management for making the specialised diagnostic service available at no cost during the exercise.
Stakeholders, however, urged the hospital to strengthen its publicity and public engagement through television, radio, newspapers, online platforms and social media.
They said greater awareness would help residents understand the hospital’s specialised services, eligibility requirements and procedures for accessing available programmes.
The MRI service represents an expansion of the diagnostic capacity of Asaba Specialist Hospital and is expected to improve access to advanced medical imaging within Delta State.
