The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Cross River State has introduced advanced endoscopic procedures, significantly enhancing its clinical services and patient care. This makes UCTH the second government-owned facility in Nigeria to offer such technology. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Asanwe Ikpeme, announced a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital to advance endoscopic practices in Nigeria, providing cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment techniques for hepatopancreatic biliary diseases.
Previously, procedures like biopsies for pancreatic cancer required major surgery, but with this new technology, a camera mounted on a fibre optic cable allows minimally invasive procedures, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. UCTH has trained staff in the U.S. and India, and recently conducted a one-week hands-on training for its team in Calabar. The hospital has successfully treated eight patients for free, who would otherwise have needed to travel abroad for similar care.
Prof. Ikpeme highlighted that this development would not only make healthcare more accessible and affordable but also position UCTH to contribute to medical tourism and enhance the quality of healthcare in Nigeria and Africa.
