Nigeria’s 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,
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,” 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, 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.
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