Federal tertiary hospitals in Lagos recount gains of health sector reforms

By Chioma Obinna

Federal tertiary health institutions in Lagos yesterday highlighted major gains in healthcare delivery, infrastructure renewal, manpower development and specialist services, attributing the progress to sustained Federal Government reforms and investments in the sector.

The institutions, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, and FMC Epe, said ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda have strengthened access to quality healthcare despite persistent systemic challenges.

Speaking during a joint media briefing, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said federal health institutions in Lagos now operate with stronger collaboration to improve service delivery.

According to him, one of the most notable achievements has been the expansion of cancer care services, particularly through the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, which has treated over 15,000 patients in seven years.

He said the development has significantly reduced medical tourism while improving access to specialised oncology care for Nigerians.

Adeyemo also disclosed that the Federal Government has supported major infrastructure projects, including a new multi-storey outpatient complex and several ward renovations, alongside a $3.8 million solar energy project aimed at improving electricity supply.

At Federal Medical Centre Epe, Medical Director Dr. Adeleke Kaka said the hospital has recorded rapid progress within its first year, including specialist surgeries, improved diagnostics and expansion of maternal care services.

He revealed that the hospital has grown to about 18 consultants and plans to establish residency training and a College of Nursing Sciences.

Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Metta, Dr. Saheed Ogunme, highlighted gains in minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy and cancer care, while noting that the Federal Government’s dialysis subsidy programme has reduced treatment costs from up to N40,000 per session to N12,000.

He said the intervention has eased the burden on patients battling chronic kidney disease.

At National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Medical Director Dr. Wakeel Lawal said orthopaedic care in Nigeria has expanded into advanced areas such as joint replacement, trauma surgery and orthopaedic oncology.

He noted that improved theatre capacity and emergency response systems have enhanced trauma care and reduced the need for Nigerians to seek orthopaedic treatment abroad.

Meanwhile, the Medical Director of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, represented by Dr. Funmi Akinola, said the hospital has expanded mental healthcare services, specialist training and methadone therapy for opioid dependence.

The institutions unanimously said sustained investment in infrastructure, specialist centres, renewable energy, manpower development and healthcare financing has transformed tertiary healthcare delivery in Lagos, while calling for continued government support to sustain the gains.

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