Cassona Global Imaging Limited, a United States-based healthcare company operating across West Africa, recently marked its third anniversary in Lagos with a call for strengthened partnerships to enhance access to affordable diagnostic imaging services in the region. Dr. John Chigbu, Chairman and CEO of Cassona, highlighted the company's distinctive approach, which significantly reduces the cost of essential equipment like CT scanners compared to global market prices. The firm also offers robust financing options, with over 90 percent of its sales region-wide conducted on credit, notably without any recorded defaults. Dr. Chigbu emphasized their commitment to operational reliability, stating, “If equipment fails, doctors cannot make money and cannot pay us. So we make sure the machines work every single day.” In addition to sales and financing, Cassona provides comprehensive training and essential backup power systems to safeguard equipment from damage during power fluctuations.

Founded in 2022, Cassona established its first office in Ghana and subsequently commenced Nigerian operations in May 2025. The company has rapidly expanded its footprint, installing approximately 140 diagnostic machines across Ghana and Nigeria within its first three years. Furthermore, it has actively contributed to capacity building by training numerous medical professionals through its innovative “Cassona Edge” mobile academy. Having successfully tested its operational model in Ghana, Cassona is now actively establishing diagnostic centers and hospitals within Nigeria, signaling its commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure.

The company’s efforts have garnered significant recognition from key healthcare stakeholders. Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, praised Cassona’s performance, drawing parallels to Abia State’s own health sector reforms under Governor Alex Otti. He urged private healthcare investors demonstrating proven capacity to collaborate with the government, especially to extend services to underserved areas. Similarly, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, commended Cassona’s “all-in-one” model, which seamlessly integrates sales, training, and maintenance. She noted that issues of servicing and spare parts are persistent challenges with imported medical equipment, and Cassona’s model effectively addresses these concerns, aligning perfectly with Lagos State’s pursuit of affordable, quality healthcare under its THEMES Plus agenda.

Stakeholders attending the anniversary event underscored the potential of Cassona’s integrated strategy—linking affordability with essential training and reliable maintenance—as a viable model to address Africa’s longstanding gaps in medical equipment. While this approach offers a promising solution, challenges related to broader financing mechanisms, infrastructure development, and seamless integration with existing public health systems remain critical areas for continued focus and collaborative effort.