‘Ultrasound Is a Sacred Machine’: Prof. Ezeonu Urges States to Equip Every Primary Healthcare Centre

By Polycarp Onwubiko

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria – Renowned consultant gynecologist and obstetrician, Prof. Paul Olisemeka Ezeonu, has called on state governments across Nigeria to provide functional ultrasound machines in every public primary healthcare centre, describing the equipment as a lifesaving tool that should be considered indispensable in maternal healthcare.

Speaking during the 8th Inaugural Lecture at the Senate Chamber of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, the former Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abakaliki, said expanding access to ultrasound technology would significantly reduce maternal and fetal deaths.

“Ultrasound is a sacred machine. It is one of the greatest gifts to modern obstetrics because it allows us to detect problems early, guide treatment, and ultimately save the lives of mothers and their babies,” Prof. Ezeonu declared.

The inaugural lecture attracted medical professionals, academics, students, and members of the university community. Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Daniel C. Nwachukwu, commended the distinguished physician for his immense contributions to the university, particularly to its Faculty of Medicine.

In his lecture, Prof. Ezeonu described ultrasound as “the whisper of life—from conception to birth,” emphasizing its pivotal role in monitoring pregnancy, diagnosing complications, and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

“Ultrasound is not merely a diagnostic tool; it is a storyteller. It narrates the tale of growth, health, and transformation, revealing the earliest chapters of human existence with remarkable precision,” he said.

The professor explained that ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves beyond the range of human hearing to produce real-time images of internal organs and tissues without exposing patients to radiation. According to him, its non-invasive nature has made it indispensable in obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, radiology, emergency medicine, and several other medical specialties.

He highlighted the various imaging modes—including A-Mode, B-Mode, M-Mode, Real-Time Imaging, and Doppler Ultrasound—which enable clinicians to assess fetal development, monitor heart function, evaluate blood flow, detect abnormalities, and manage high-risk pregnancies.

Reflecting on the miracle of human development, Prof. Ezeonu said the journey of life begins at fertilization, when the male and female gametes unite to form a zygote.

“For centuries, this sacred process remained hidden from human eyes until ultrasound technology gave us the privilege of witnessing the whispers of life long before a baby’s first cry,” he noted.

Calls for Policy Action

Prof. Ezeonu urged the Federal Ministry of Health, state ministries of health, and healthcare policymakers to make quality obstetric ultrasound services an integral part of routine maternal healthcare nationwide.

He recommended:

• Provision of ultrasound machines in every public primary healthcare centre.
• Promotion of early antenatal booking immediately pregnancy is suspected.
• Routine first-trimester ultrasound for accurate pregnancy dating, confirmation of viability, and early detection of complications.
• Regular ultrasound monitoring for high-risk pregnancies, including women with hypertension, diabetes, fetal growth restriction, and multiple pregnancies.

He stressed that ensuring equitable access to ultrasound services would strengthen maternal healthcare delivery, improve early diagnosis, reduce pregnancy-related complications, and ultimately save thousands of lives across Nigeria.