The recently upgraded Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTH), formerly known as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), has achieved a historic medical milestone by successfully delivering its first-ever In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) baby. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Associate Professor Kingsley Achigbu, announced the groundbreaking achievement during the hospital’s annual re-dedication and thanksgiving service. He disclosed that the baby boy was born at 10:00 AM on January 2, 2025, marking a significant step forward in the hospital’s reproductive health services.

Professor Achigbu expressed profound gratitude for the birth, emphasizing that it brought immense joy to both the parents and the hospital’s management. He recalled that the Assisted Reproductive Services Unit was conceptualized years ago to support couples struggling with infertility. The initiative was driven by the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced reproductive solutions to individuals facing challenges in conceiving naturally.

To ensure the success of the IVF program, the hospital invested in specialized training for two consultants in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, equipping them with the expertise to handle assisted reproductive procedures. The CMD described the birth of the IVF baby as a dream come true, affirming that the programme would now become a regular service at FUTH, offering hope to many couples battling infertility.

Dr. Achigbu, an Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, encouraged couples facing reproductive challenges to seek help at the hospital. He reassured them that with the introduction of IVF services at FUTH Owerri, they now have a reliable and accessible solution to their fertility concerns. He urged those in need to take full advantage of the hospital’s services to fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.