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Ukorebi Esien | May 15, 2026
CALABAR – The Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, says the hospital has expanded its medical capacity and now performs advanced procedures including brain tumour surgeries, hip and knee replacements, spinal operations, and minimally invasive surgeries known as keyhole surgeries.
Prof. Ikpeme disclosed this during a facility tour of the hospital by journalists in Calabar, where he highlighted ongoing improvements in healthcare delivery and infrastructure at the federal tertiary institution.
According to him, UCTH has moved beyond routine medical procedures and is increasingly handling complex cases that previously forced many Nigerians to seek treatment outside the state or abroad. The hospital now offers specialized interventions aimed at reducing medical tourism and improving access to quality healthcare within Nigeria.
Speaking on keyhole surgeries, the CMD explained that the minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to carry out operations with smaller incisions, resulting in faster recovery time for patients.
“We do keyhole surgery. If your appendix is giving you a problem, we can take it out and the following day, we send you home because we’ve done minimal access surgery,” he said.
Medical experts say keyhole surgeries often reduce pain, lower the risk of complications, and shorten hospital stays compared to conventional surgeries.
Prof. Ikpeme also revealed that the hospital is constructing a new Department of Emergency Medicine equipped with trauma bays, emergency theatres and intensive care units to manage increasing patient loads.
The CMD noted that UCTH currently serves patients not only from Cross River State but also from neighbouring states and countries including Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, reflecting the hospital’s growing reputation as a regional healthcare hub.
Recent investments in medical equipment, including MRI services and modern diagnostic technologies, have also strengthened the hospital’s ability to manage complicated cases and improve patient outcomes.
The development comes amid growing conversations around Nigeria’s ability to handle sophisticated medical procedures locally. Recent successful brain tumour surgeries in Nigerian tertiary hospitals have further demonstrated increasing capacity within the country’s healthcare system.
Prof. Ikpeme commended the Federal Government for continued support through infrastructure projects and modern medical equipment, expressing optimism that UCTH would continue to expand its specialized healthcare services.
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