President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday unveiled the newly
reconstructed Institute of Maternal And Child Health popularly known as Ayinke
House located within the premises of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
(LASUTH) in Ikeja, describing it as a critical and timely intervention by the
State Government in the health sector.
Ayinke House, which is Nigeria’s biggest Maternity Hospital,
was upgraded from an 80-bed facility to a 170-bed healthcare centre with
state-of-the-art medical equipment, as well as information technology services.
Aside the entourage of the President which included
Ministers and Special Advisers, Governors of Ogun (Ibikunle Amosu ), Oyo
(Abiola Ajimobi), Ondo (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu), Ekiti (Kayode Fayemi), Jubrila
Bindow, Adamawa, Acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Lagos State
Governor-Elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Oba of
Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, among others were in attendance.
The President, who landed at the Presidential Wing of
Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja at about 10: 45am, arrived at
Ayinke House about 15 minutes later, after which he unveiled the project, and
also embarked on comprehensive tour of the facility.
Speaking at the event, the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi
Ambode described the development as historic, expressing optimism that the
facility would provide world class childbirth and maternal care services to
Lagosians and Nigerians at large.
Recalling how the journey began, Governor Ambode said the
facility was commissioned exactly 29 years ago, with the late businessman and
philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony donating the first dedicated maternal
and child care facility to the State Government, in memory of his mother; hence
the christened name “Ayinke House”.
He said the hospital, which started with just one surgical
theatre soon assumed a life of its own as a first-class childbirth and maternal
care centre in the health sector of Nigeria as well as first choice for
expectant mothers.
However, the Governor said the hospital later became
over-stretched beyond capacity and somehow obsolete, while in recognition of
the need to sustain Bank-Anthony’s philanthropy, the State Government, during
the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola who is now the Minister
of Power, Works and Housing, awarded the contract for the expansion and
reconstruction of the facility.
“Today, seven years after the closure of the facility, the
new edifice is now a 170-bed facility with 5 surgical theatres. It has a 16-bed
emergency care units with 3 organ support facilities, 30 bed special baby care
unit, 5 neo-natal intensive care units, a fully equipped laboratory with
support services, laboratories and a blood bank.
“Beyond the significance for the health sector, this
institute is a major contribution to our education sector also; as it becomes a
veritable platform for our medical students in the State University to enhance
their exposure and experience with the top-class medical equipment provided,”
Governor Ambode said, just as he revealed that Ayinke House had also been
completely digitalised with state-of-the-art medical equipment as well as
information technology services supported by the State Ministry of Science and
Technology.
He said in view of President Buhari’s determination of
making universal and basic primary healthcare as one of the cardinal priorities
of his administration, the State Government, under him, had consciously worked
to bring quality, affordable and modern healthcare to all our citizenry, among
other initiatives in the health sector.
“Just last year, we launched the Lagos State Health
Insurance scheme to allow residents access top quality medical care with a
little contribution and support from the State government.
“These and other efforts are directed at improving the lives
of our people, especially the women and children; and by extension the
productivity of our nation,” he said.
While congratulating President Buhari on his resounding
victory at the recent presidential election, Governor Ambode thanked him for
finding time to personally commission Ayinke House and other projects in the
State, adding that the completion of the projects would not have been possible
without the President’s support, administrative direction and encouragement.
Besides, Governor Ambode commended the Management and Staff
of the State’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, LASUTH
as well as contractors for working round the clock and their enthusiasm in
getting the project completed.
Similarly, the President also commissioned the 500-seater Lagos
Theatre in Oregun, Ikeja. The ultra modern theatre is one of the four
simultaneously constructed by the Ambode administration to increase arts spaces
and create standard platforms for talented citizens of the State to showcase
their skills.
The President who arrived the venue at exactly 11:30am was
treated to a live dance performance by a young group of talented artist before
taking his leave.
The Governor said the three other theatres with the same
specifications are also ready for commissioning in Igando, Badagry and Epe.
Sahara Weekly
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