By Nancy Okojie,
U.S. medical supplier, Cassona Global Imaging Ltd., has reiterated its plan to improve lives and health systems in Nigeria by making advanced medical imaging technology more accessible and affordable. This commitment was reaffirmed at the company’s third anniversary in Lagos.
Cassona’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Chigbu, at the company’s third anniversary in Lagos, noted that improving Africa’s diagnostic capacity was critical to enable prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases for improved patient outcomes.
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According to him, Cassona’s approach goes beyond simply supplying equipment; it’s a holistic plan to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem making healthcare delivery affordable and accessible for more citizens.. The company, which successfully tested its model in Ghana, focuses on several key areas:
Affordable Technology and Financing: The company offers medical imaging equipment, such as CT scanners and digital X-ray machines, at a fraction of the cost of new devices. It also provides flexible payment plans, with an option for customers to pay 20% upfront and spread the balance over 24 months.
Capacity Building: Cassona’s mission includes training local healthcare professionals, such as doctors and sonographers, on how to use and maintain modern diagnostic equipment. This is a crucial step to address the lack of hands-on experience many African health workers have with modern machines.
Ecosystem Development: The company is involved in building diagnostic centers and fast-tracked hospitals to assist private practitioners in delivering quality care without the heavy financial burden of acquiring equipment outright. It also provides essential support like backup power systems and a robust maintenance system to ensure equipment never fails.
Job Creation: By recruiting and training Nigerian engineers and healthcare professionals, Cassona is committed to localizing the healthcare system and creating new opportunities, a goal that aligns with the broader push for a “Made in Nigeria” agenda.
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The company’s expansion into Nigeria, following a successful pilot in Ghana where it installed over 140 machines without a single breakdown, is supported by the U.S. Embassy and is seen as a key example of public-private partnerships aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. This initiative is expected to reduce medical tourism and position Nigeria as a destination for healthcare excellence.
