Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) has recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare sector with the launch of the country’s first helium-free Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, officially commencing MRI diagnostic services with the installation of a state-of-the-art Siemens 1.5 Tesla system.
The achievement followed the successful completion of the hospital’s first MRI scan, positioning ASH among the few medical institutions in Africa using the latest helium-free MRI technology.
The development is expected to improve access to advanced diagnostic services, reduce waiting times and save patients the stress and cost of travelling outside Delta State for specialised scans.
Speaking on the breakthrough, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, described the new MRI service as a significant advancement that will strengthen the hospital’s ability to diagnose complex medical conditions quickly and accurately.
She said the project demonstrated the State Government’s determination to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure residents have access to world-class medical services within the state.
“The acquisition reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding access to modern healthcare in line with the :MORE Agenda, ” she said.
According to Dr. Ighosewe, the hospital celebrated the launch by offering free MRI scans to patients for two days, an initiative that benefited more than 10 people before it ended on Friday.
She explained that the Siemens 1.5 Tesla helium-free MRI scanner represents a new generation of medical imaging technology designed to deliver high-quality diagnostic images while operating more efficiently than conventional MRI systems.
She noted that the equipment would help doctors detect and manage complicated health conditions earlier, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Before the installation of the scanner, many patients were forced to travel to neighbouring states or private diagnostic centres, often spending huge amounts of money and enduring long delays before obtaining MRI services.
Ighosewe added that the successful completion of specialised training for radiographers, radiologists and other healthcare professionals has equipped the hospital to operate the new machine efficiently and provide reliable diagnostic imaging services.
She reaffirmed ASH’s commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and patient-focused healthcare through continuous investment in modern technology and skilled personnel.
The first patient to undergo an MRI scan at the facility, Mrs. Odoria Pelet, described the experience as a life-changing opportunity.
She revealed that she had been referred for an MRI because of persistent severe headaches but could not afford the cost at a private hospital.
“I could not afford an MRI scan at a private hospital after being referred by my doctor for persistent severe headaches. This intervention is timely and life-changing, ” she said.
Also speaking, the Head of the Radiology Department, Dr. Chuks Agholor, said the new MRI scanner will significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, including spinal disorders, brain diseases, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, Achilles tendon damage and other complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Isoje Omamuzo, described the commencement of MRI services as a groundbreaking achievement that would enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capacity, support better clinical decision-making and improve access to quality healthcare for people across Delta State and beyond.
The introduction of Nigeria’s first helium-free MRI scanner marks another important step in the state’s drive to modernise healthcare delivery, bringing advanced diagnostic technology closer to patients while reducing dependence on medical facilities outside the state.
