On Thursday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, formalized this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the inaugural Lagos Trauma Conference held in the city.
As reported on the government’s official website, the decision to upgrade the hospital was prompted by a request from Mr. Sanwo-Olu to the Federal Government aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the Epe division of the state.
Once completed, the Epe General Hospital, situated in the Lagos East Senatorial District, will offer tertiary health services to the area.
Currently, the state’s tertiary healthcare facilities, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idia-Araba, Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, are primarily located in the Lagos Central district.
In his address, Mr. Sanwo-Olu characterized the upgrade as a significant advancement for healthcare services in Lagos, highlighting the successful partnership between state and federal authorities.
“The transformation of Epe General Hospital represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to enhance access to quality healthcare for our citizens. Converting this facility into a Federal Medical Centre is a transformative step that will redefine healthcare delivery in Lagos,” Mr. Sanwo-Olu stated.
The new Federal Medical Centre will incorporate specialized care services, including a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Open Heart Surgery Unit, Cardiac Catheterization, and Advanced Obstetric and Gynaecological services for high-risk pregnancies and gynecological conditions, among other offerings.
The recent partnership between Lagos and the Federal Government has led to the creation of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), a specialized training institution located in Ilara Igboye, Epe Division. This college will provide focused programs in areas such as Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Chiropractic Medicine, Osteopathy, and Herbal Medicine.
Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes plans to enhance the general hospital and establish a School of Nursing at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), with student admissions set to commence next year.
Mr. Alausa emphasized that the introduction of nursing schools and FEDCAM will create pathways for young individuals to pursue careers in various medical fields, including complementary and alternative medicine.
The minister remarked, “The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre in Epe is expected to not only improve health outcomes but also bring significant socio-economic advantages to the region. It will boost local businesses, generate job opportunities for residents, and draw a diverse array of healthcare professionals to Epe, thereby strengthening the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.”
Trauma Care System
The conference titled “Enhancing Trauma Care and Emergency Healthcare Systems for a Thriving Lagos” convened healthcare professionals to discuss the trauma care requirements of the state.
Addressing the conference's focus, Mr. Sanwo-Olu stated that the trauma care system in Lagos must evolve in tandem with the rapid population growth and infrastructural development to effectively manage both everyday medical emergencies and large-scale crises.
He indicated that the state government plans to expand its trauma centers to enhance preparedness and decrease response times in trauma situations.
Significant progress has been made in healthcare delivery in Lagos; however, a substantial gap remains between the demand for trauma services and our existing capacity to meet that demand. It is crucial to identify the areas needing enhancement and to develop a strategic vision for the future, Mr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who is also a medical professional, highlighted the critical nature of trauma care, drawing on her medical background.
“The necessity for a robust trauma care system is clear. Emergencies can strike anyone at any moment, whether due to road accidents, domestic violence, or natural disasters,” Mrs. Sanwo-Olu stated.