Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has clarified his impromptu visits to Island Maternity Hospital and Lagos Island Hospital, which took the medical staff by surprise.
The governor’s rationale was explained in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu shared that his visits to the hospitals were motivated by his desire to personally observe the situation and ensure that the medical staff were adhering to the health palliative program. This program covers the expenses of regular pregnancy deliveries, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care carried out at state-run hospitals.
This health initiative was introduced as part of the state government’s relief measures to alleviate the challenges faced by residents due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
He expressed, “It was essential for me to see the situation first-hand in order to identify specific and general areas that require our intervention.”
According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu entered the hospital unexpectedly at exactly 6:35 pm.
The statement elaborated, “At 6:35 pm, the governor quietly entered the maternity ward of the hospital, where two expectant mothers were undergoing examinations. One of these mothers, Odeyemi Omowunmi, is in an advanced stage of pregnancy but is not yet due for delivery. Despite this, the 37-year-old expectant mother had to be admitted ahead of schedule due to her unstable blood pressure, a condition that previously led to two miscarriages. In order to safeguard the pregnancy, doctors recommended continuous observation until the delivery time.”
The statement continued, “This care is offered without any charges. The medical expenses are fully covered under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s health palliative scheme available across Lagos State-owned General Hospitals. The health palliative covers the costs of regular pregnancy delivery, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care within these state-owned hospitals.”
During a conversation with the governor, Odeyemi shared, “My husband and I reside in Abule Egba, and I began my antenatal care at a private clinic. I was seven and a half months into my pregnancy when high blood pressure was diagnosed. Concerned about a possible miscarriage, my husband hesitated to have me admitted due to financial concerns. However, we were informed that the care is entirely free. We were skeptical until I began receiving treatment without being asked for any payment.”
Since the initiation of the free medical services at the beginning of August, numerous pregnant women have taken advantage of the free deliveries and antenatal care services provided by the Lagos-owned hospitals.
The governor was guided through the maternity ward by the Chief Matron in Charge, Akinsola Dorcas.
Furthermore, Governor Sanwo-Olu visited Lagos Island Hospital, Odan, where he personally evaluated the facilities within the 10-story Doctors’ Quarters. This visit was prompted by a recent incident where a house officer tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in an elevator accident. Sanwo-Olu conducted an immediate assessment of the living quarters, storage areas, and power supply systems within the facility. He was accompanied by Dr. Segun Ogunlana, a representative of the House Officers.
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