The Lagos State General Hospital in Epe has been transferred to the Federal Government for conversion and full upgrading to a tertiary health facility. The hospital is now to be known as Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) facilitating the new status of the hospital was, on Thursday, signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the maiden Lagos Trauma Conference organised by the State’s Ministry of Health.

The event with the theme: “Enhancing Trauma Care and Emergency Healthcare Systems for a Thriving Lagos”, was held at Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island.

The hospital’s upgrade followed a request by the Governor to the Federal Government to establish an advanced health care infrastructure within Epe Division of the State in order to cater for the expanding population within the axis and adjoining communities.

The development will further enhance access to specialised care services on the axis, while improving on the collective health care capacity provided by the national and sub national governments in the State.

In addition to upgrading the General Hospital, the MoU also provides for the establishment of the School of Nursing at the FMC for the training of Nurses and Midwives. The first set of students are expected to be admitted next year.

Within the first two years of the FMC’s take-off, specialised care services to be integrated into the hospital’s services include Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Open Heart Surgery Unit, Cardiac Catheterisation, Advanced Obstetric and Gynaecological services for high risk pregnancies and gynaecology cases, Emergency and Trauma Centre, nephrology services including dialysis and kidney transplant, radiological services, orthopaedic care, Burns and Plastic Services.

Sanwo-Olu described the stride as a game changer that would shape the future of health delivery in Lagos, noting that the development further demonstrated the power of healthy collaboration between state and federal governments.

He said: “The upgrading of Epe General Hospital marks a new step forward in our tireless efforts to expand access to quality healthcare for our residents. The conversion of the hospital to a Federal Medical Centre is a game changer that will shape the future of healthcare delivery in Lagos.

“This development aligns with the current conversation we are having today, especially with the theme of this conference that is aimed at enhancing trauma care and attending to emergencies for a thriving Lagos. This is part of our mission to ensure Lagos continues to be a safe  and thriving city that is worth living in.”

Besides, the new collaboration between Lagos and the Federal Government provides for the establishment of Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) — a new specialised training institution in Ilara Igboye, Epe Division.

The college will offer specialised programmes that include Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Chiropractic Medicine, Osteopathy and Herbal Medicine.

Dr. Alausa said the establishment of nursing school and FEDCAM would offer young people opportunities to undertake the programmes and become professionals in medical disciplines and fields of complementary and alternative medicine.

The Minister said: “The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre in Epe is poised to bring not only improved health outcomes but also numerous socio- economic benefits to the area. It will stimulate local businesses, create employment opportunities for our people, and attract a wide range of healthcare professionals to Epe, thereby enriching the local economy and enhancing the well-being of the residents.

“This development is in line with the goal envisioned in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which is focused on improving the lives of Nigerians across all sectors. Epe is a strategic location, given its expanding population, which made this decision imperative. Our people deserve access to quality healthcare; I am proud to say that today, we are making great strides toward ensuring that they receive it.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Sanwo-Olu said the trauma care system in Lagos must keep pace with the State’s rapid population growth and physical development in order to ensure effective management of day-to-day medical emergencies and large-scale crises.

He said the State Government would be expanding its trauma centers to improve level of preparedness and reduce turnaround time in responding to trauma.

The Governor said: “While we have made significant strides in healthcare delivery in Lagos, there is still a considerable gap between the demand for trauma services and our current capacity to provide them. It is essential that we address this need with a clear understanding of the areas that require improvement and a strategic vision for the future.

“One of the key pillars of our strategy to improve emergency healthcare services in Lagos is investment in healthcare infrastructure. We are fully aware that a robust and well-equipped healthcare system is the backbone of effective trauma care. Infrastructural development is only one part of the equation. We must also focus on the people who deliver healthcare – the skilled professionals who are on the frontlines of trauma care.”