Cassona Healthcare Group has launched a pioneering program in Lagos aimed at revolutionizing healthcare services throughout Nigeria. This initiative focuses on delivering cost-effective medical devices alongside practical training for healthcare professionals.
John Chigbu, the chairman and CEO of Cassona Healthcare Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to making advanced medical imaging technology accessible and ensuring its reliable daily operation.
To address financial barriers, Chigbu introduced an innovative credit scheme that leverages the credentials and reputations of medical practitioners as security. “We offer equipment at reduced prices, requiring just a 20% initial payment, with the remainder payable over two years. Meanwhile, we provide ongoing maintenance to guarantee uninterrupted functionality,” he explained.
Additionally, the program includes comprehensive training for doctors, radiologists, and sonographers, as well as the installation of backup power solutions to maintain equipment performance during electricity outages.
Highlighting a common challenge, Chigbu pointed out that many African medical professionals receive predominantly theoretical instruction, lacking sufficient exposure to modern diagnostic tools. Cassona aims to bridge this gap through systematic education and continuous technical support.
Beyond equipment provision, the company is actively developing diagnostic centers and expedited hospital projects to enable private healthcare providers to offer superior services without the financial strain of outright equipment purchases.
“While contemporary medical devices boast sophisticated features, most training institutions across Africa do not have the necessary tools for hands-on learning. To address this, we established a mobile academy that travels to various locations, offering immersive training rather than brief tutorials or instructional videos,” Chigbu stated.
He further elaborated on Cassona Edge, an educational platform designed to deliver ongoing professional development for medical doctors, radiologists, sonographers, and radiologic technologists, allowing them to engage directly with operational equipment.
“Our diagnostic centers, which we refer to as experience centers, provide patients and practitioners alike with a firsthand understanding of modern radiology services and technology,” he added.
Chigbu recounted the company’s strategic approach, beginning with a pilot phase in Ghana to validate their model in a complex healthcare market. “We have successfully installed around 140 diagnostic imaging systems there and responded to over 300 service requests, each addressed within 24 hours and resolved within 48,” he noted.
He emphasized that Cassona’s vision is not to dominate the market but to inspire collaboration within the private sector to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria. “The government’s role is to foster a supportive environment, while innovation and progress must be driven by private enterprises,” Chigbu asserted.
Julie LeBlanc, the US Commercial Counselor to Nigeria, commended Cassona’s innovative contributions, particularly in medical imaging and professional training. She highlighted that Cassona’s comprehensive lifecycle support-including after-sales service and local technician training-aligns with US objectives for advancing healthcare in Nigeria.
LeBlanc reaffirmed the US government’s dedication to fostering partnerships with Nigerian businesses to build a healthier future. “Cassona’s expansion exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can stimulate economic development and improve health outcomes. We anticipate ongoing cooperation and positive impacts from their work,” she remarked.
Ogunyemi, representing Lagos State, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with forward-thinking organizations like Cassona to support the THEMES Plus health initiative. “Their integrated approach to equipment procurement, training, and maintenance alleviates operational burdens. These are precisely the partnerships we seek,” she said. “Recognizing that government efforts alone are insufficient, our priority is to ensure Lagos residents have access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
