Epe General Hospital now Federal Medical Center…as FG and LSG signs MOU

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the need for a resilient healthcare system capable of handling daily emergencies and large-scale incidents.

He made the call at the inaugural Lagos Trauma Conference, with the theme “Advanced Trauma and Emergency Healthcare Systems for a Thriving Lagos,” identifying reforms that will improve trauma care and emergency response in the state.

Highlighting the steps Lagos is taking to improve trauma care, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Health to officially transfer the General Hospital in Epe to the Federal Government for conversion into the Federal Medical Centre, Epe (FMC Epe).

Presenting a keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals and the private sector to shaping the future of healthcare in Lagos. “The robust conversations we’ve had on enhancing trauma care and emergency healthcare systems have reaffirmed our vision of a thriving Lagos,” he stated.

The Governor reiterated the importance of financial accessibility in trauma care, announcing plans to expand the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to cover emergency services.

He also said, an Emergency Care Fund would be established to provide trauma care for the most vulnerable residents, ensuring that no one is denied life-saving care due to an inability to pay. “As we strive for universal healthcare access, we must ensure that no life is lost due to an inability to pay for treatment,” Sanwo-Olu promised

Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the healthcare reforms in Lagos, acknowledged that the transfer of the Epe General Hospital to the Federal Government marked a turning point for healthcare delivery in the area.

“This project is a testament to the vision and leadership of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that ” the FMC Epe will serve the rapidly growing population in Epe and its environs “. he remarked

Dr. Alausa pointed out that, the specialized services that will be available at the new FMC Epe, include, paediatric and neonatal intensive care, advanced surgical procedures such as open-heart surgeries, a state-of-the-art trauma centre, and kidney transplant services.

” Government will establish a School of Nursing and a Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) in Epe “. he affirmed

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, drawing from her experience as a medical doctor, emphasised that, the need for a trauma care system is undeniable, as emergencies can affect anyone at any time, whether through road accidents, domestic violence, or natural disasters. ” Identifying the importance of preparedness while recalling her proactive efforts during political campaigns and public events to ensure hospitals were ready to handle potential emergencies.

Dr. Ibijoke called for a return to grassroots health education, suggesting that schools reintroduce programs like the Red Cross, Girls’ Guide, and Boy Scouts, where students are trained in basic life support. “Catching them young will ensure a future generation of first responders who are well-equipped to handle emergencies,” she noted.

Presenting a paper on ‘ Pre-Hospital Emergency Care in Lagos: the Past, Present and Future’, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, called for a coordinated response to trauma incidents.

He stated, “We must ensure that our emergency response systems are integrated and that all healthcare providers are trained in trauma management, including developing a unified communication strategy that allows for seamless coordination during emergencies.”

Dr. Ogboye stated that data collection was important in improving trauma care, because, ” understanding the patterns and causes of trauma in our communities will help us implement targeted prevention strategies,” he remarked.

He called for the establishment of a centralized trauma registry that can provide insights into patient outcomes and service delivery.

In her remarks, Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of mental health support for healthcare professionals dealing with trauma cases, adding that, efforts are ongoing to provide psychosocial support to ensure that frontline workers remain resilient.

The event drew participation from all walks of life including healthcare professionals from the public and private sector, the Nigeria Police, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, the Lagos State Emergency Service and private healthcare providers.