BEVERLY HILLS, AUGUST 11, (THEWILL) – The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, has made history with the commissioning of the first state-owned Helipad for medical emergencies in Nigeria on Thursday at the hospital.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, declared that the helipad is part of efforts by the government to transform the health sector in the State for optimal performance.
He revealed that the upgrading of the 247-bed and five Theatre Suits for pregnant women, popularly called Ayinke House, would be ready for use by 2017 adding that approval had been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and bulk purchase of medical equipment required in 20 Secondary and 21 Primary health facilities across the State.
“This Helipad being commissioned today is a lifesaving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit and other emergency services being rendered by the State,” he said.
“The Helipad will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities to provide the level of emergency medicine required are not readily available.
“Over the years, we have witnessed emergency situations which require timely movement of victims to appropriate medical facilities. Keeping in mind that every minute matters in securing the lives of people involved in these incidents, the usual movement by road is not the best option in such situations.
“Helicopters have therefore become an efficient and reliable option which can only be made possible with the availability of helipads within the hospital environment.
“Given the status of LASUTH, as the State flagship tertiary health institution, offering referral services for other public and private medical institutions, it was obvious the helipad had to be located here.
“Aside the fact that government will intensify efforts to acquire an Air Ambulance to complete the cycle, the Helipad would be operated by specially trained personnel who will give 24-hour service, guarantee expert medical care during emergency transfer and safe landing at all times.
“With the recent execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with selected investors, the State is on the verge of becoming a hub for medical tourism once the Medical Park at the old School of Nursing, Ikoyi comes on stream.
“With the support of our hardworking and dedicated personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our set objectives in the health sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy State.”
He recalled that barely a month ago, a 27-bed Critical Care Unit was commissioned in LASUTH to provide life and organ support system for critically ill patients who require intensive monitoring and post-operative treatment declaring that the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre will soon become operational.
Story by David Oputah
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