The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has launched advanced cardiac imaging services, including Speckle Tracking Echocardiography and CT Coronary Angiography, as part of efforts to strengthen cardiovascular care and improve patient outcomes in Rivers State and beyond.
The unveiling took place during the RSUTH Cardiology Day 2026, themed “Strengthening Systems for Better Heart Health,” which also marked the official inauguration of the hospital’s Department of Cardiology.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, described the development as a major milestone in the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class cardiovascular services, research, specialist training, and innovation.
Prof. Alikor said the establishment of the Cardiology Department represents more than the creation of another clinical unit, but the emergence of a comprehensive cardiovascular centre dedicated to excellence in patient care.
“At Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, we have chosen not to wait for the future. We have chosen to build it. Today, we proudly unveil the Department of Cardiology, a milestone that signifies much more than the establishment of another clinical department,” he said.
He noted that the department would contribute significantly to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases within Rivers State, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria, while ensuring that patients no longer need to travel far in search of specialised cardiac services.
According to him, the launch of CT Coronary Angiography represents a transformative advancement in cardiovascular imaging, providing opportunities for early diagnosis and prevention of life-threatening heart conditions.
He added that the introduction of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography would further enhance cardiac diagnostics by detecting subtle myocardial dysfunction before symptoms become irreversible.
“Modern cardiology is increasingly moving beyond simply identifying structural heart disease to detecting functional abnormalities before symptoms become irreversible,” Prof. Alikor stated.
He commended the contributions of cardiologists, physicians, radiologists, cardiac scientists, sonographers, nurses, pharmacists, biomedical engineers, laboratory scientists, administrators, and other healthcare professionals whose efforts made the achievement possible.
The CMD stressed that as an academic medical centre, RSUTH’s responsibility extends beyond treatment to education, innovation, research, and leadership in healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Cardiology, Dr. Boma Oyan, said cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally and is becoming a growing public health concern in Nigeria.
Dr. Oyan explained that the new department was established to provide accessible and high-quality specialist cardiovascular services through advanced diagnostics, clinical care, academic excellence, and research.
She described the introduction of CT Coronary Angiography and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography as breakthroughs that would improve early detection, diagnosis, and management of heart diseases.
“The opening of this department represents the fulfilment of a vision, the reward of years of dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in cardiovascular care, education, research, and innovation in our institution and in Rivers State,” she said.
Dr. Oyan also announced the commissioning of dedicated cardiology wards, noting that the facility would boost RSUTH’s capacity to provide specialised inpatient cardiovascular care.
She appreciated the leadership of Prof. Alikor, hospital management, consultants, resident doctors, nurses, cardiac physiologists, pharmacists, radiographers, administrative staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary team for their commitment to advancing cardiac healthcare.
The Head of Department reaffirmed RSUTH’s commitment to training future healthcare professionals and positioning the institution among leading cardiovascular centres in Nigeria and Africa through quality education, research collaborations, and partnerships.
