President Muhammadu Buhari and Federal Executive Council (FEC) have approved a total of f N592, 271, 792.48 for the procurement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment for Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile Ife.
Newsonline reports that the Minister of State for Health, Ekumankama Joseph, said the approval showed the commitment of the Buhari-led administration to providing quality health care for all citizens.
Ekumankama said the OAU Teaching Hospital had 0.2 Tesla MRI which is longer up to standard therefore the need for the approved 1.5 MRI.
Addressing journalists after the Wednesday FEC meeting in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health said, “The memo that we presented from the Federal Ministry of Health is for the procurement of MRI equipment for the Obafemi Awolowo University Hospital, that is Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment, you may not be aware that the University hospital has only one 0.2 Tesla MRI equipment, which is no longer up to standard when you compare it with the advanced technology.
“That has made the availability of 1.5 MRI equipment for diagnostic services in most hospitals, both within and outside the country.
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“So we have been having challenges of giving the very best of health services to people, patients who come to the hospital for diagnostic services and treatment.
“So, today FEC in its wisdom approved for procurement and supply of one unit A 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, and other accessories for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife in favour of messrs CG Gasta Company Limited in the sum of N592,271,792.48k this is inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of six months.”
Ekumankama further disclosed that “With the procurement of this equipment, it is strongly believed that most patients that usually travel to Lagos or other surrounding environments close to Ile-Ife, to seek better medical services, will now be able to have the comfort and leisure of staying back in Ife to get the medical services they need in terms of diagnosis and treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.
“So we thank the Council for the privilege of receiving this kind of approval which will go a long way to strengthen the health services at the University Teaching Hospital.”
