HEALTH FACILITY UPGRADE: LAGOS TO PROCURE 10 BILLION NAIRA WORTH EQUIPMENT IN NEXT FEW WEEKS – AMBODE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has, over the weekend, disclosed that his administration would in the next few weeks revamp and upgrade health facilities in the State with the injection of about N10Billion to procure critical modern medical equipment.

The Governor, who spoke during the commissioning of the New Critical Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) at Ikeja, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olatunji Bello, said the injection will assist and complement ongoing efforts at increasing bed spaces in the facilities at the grassroots level.

“The three tiers of medical care will continue to receive our attention in order to have a healthy population that will be in position to create wealth for our state. Let me assure you all that our administration will continue to be motivated to make live more livable and comfortable for the residents”, he said

He reiterated the commitment of the administration to the task of reversing the trend of overseas medical tourism in favour of local medical tourism through the provision of the right and conducive atmosphere for qualitative Medicare in the State.

“Our Government is strongly committed to the establishment of a world class Medical Park at the site of the old School of Nursing in Ikoyi. We are determined to deliver this through Public Private Partnership”.

Governor Ambode said the new Critical Care Unit would complement the capacity of the existing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) established over 10 years ago, adding that the combined capacities of the two facilities will enhance the status of the State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

“Ultimately, this new facility will save, from our nation scarce foreign exchange, of about 3Billion Dollars which are spent annually on foreign medical tourism”, the Governor said.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate the state medical personnel for their commitment to quality service delivery to the people, enjoining them to always remember their Hippocratic Oath in dealing with the public.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said the present administration has committed enormous resources to the health sector for the provision of qualitative health care delivery to the people.

He therefore enjoined the staff of the Critical Care Unit (CCU) to work as a team in order to take good care of patients and maintain the world class medical equipment.

The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof Wale Oke in his welcome address, said the Critical Care Unit (CCU) and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are special departments that cater for patients with severe and life threatening illness and injuries which require constant support from specialists to ensure normal body functions.

The Representative of the Governor later cut the tape to formally commission the ultra modern building before being led on a guided tour of the complex by the coordinator, Dr. Ade Tinubu alongside management team of LASUTH.