The Federal Government has approved the establishment of 8,880 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the country.
The is under the Comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The VP disclosed this on Saturday during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu.
The facility worth over N2bn was donated to the teaching hospital by an industrialist and philanthropist, Asiwaju Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, to mark his 80th birthday.
The state-of-the-art facility would provide comprehensive and advanced trauma care with infrastructures such as an elevator for seamless patient transfer, three adequately equipped surgical suites, a modern intensive care unit, advanced imaging technology to facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis, dedicated resuscitation bays for immediate lifesaving interventions, and a High Dependency Unit (HDU) to provide a crucial bridge between intensive care and general ward care.
Daily Trust reports that the facility would provide relief for accident victims along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Benin-Shagamu expressway which account for 41.5 per cent of accidents in the area according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Shettima who was elated with the Centre described it as a humanitarian gesture that would benefit the generations yet unborn.
He said the federal government on its part has also upgraded tertiary institutions that are to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases.
He said, “The administration is also investing in the National Health Insurance Scheme that gives all Nigerians hope and a digital information management system that ensures data-driven diagnosis.
“Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre fits into this. It brings the federal government’s commitment to build a health sector that works for all, especially in a moment of distress when accidents strike, when time is short, and when the difference between life and death is determined by the speed of emergency intervention,” he noted.
The Vice President emphasized that in a nation facing rapid urbanization, a trauma centre is not optional but essential, calling on philanthropists, the private sector, and wealthy individuals to rise beyond private achievements to build a virile nation.
“Our historical struggles to fix the healthcare system must be undertaken collectively through synergy between the public and private sectors. We are a nation of immense promise, but also of immense problems. That is why the government alone cannot shoulder these problems.
“We need more private sector players, philanthropists, foundations, and professionals to take a cue from what Otunba Adegunwa has done to rise beyond personal achievements and involve themselves in national development,” he added.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun acknowledged the critical role of the centre as a monumental facility established for the benefit of humanity.
He described the condition of the hospital when he assumed office six years ago as terrible, saying his administration had made efforts to reposition and restore the health facility to its present state.
“When I assumed office in 2019, this hospital was the first health centre I visited, and the condition was so bad that we had to declare an emergency on this facility. We set up a panel headed by Dr. Yemi Onabowale of Redington and others to advise on how to reposition this hospital.
“In line with their recommendations, we constituted and inaugurated the hospital governing board, which had not existed for many years. We brought in Pa Adegunwa to cooperate and work with them. Now, emergency cases, particularly trauma from road accidents and other critical conditions requiring quick and expert intervention, will be attended to, especially in view of the fact that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the busiest road in Nigeria, and the Sagamu-Benin Expressway are contiguous to this health facility,” he said.
The Governor stated that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all, as healthcare remains a priority for the state government.
He added: “We are aware that the foundation of a thriving society is its ability to provide timely, specialized, and inclusive medical services.
“The establishment of this Trauma Centre marks a significant milestone in the quest to strengthen Ogun State’s medical infrastructure. It will greatly complement our ongoing efforts to reposition the healthcare sector towards enhancing the wellness and well-being of our citizens, especially in this trying time of global economic challenges.”
On his part, the donor recalled how the hospital effectively utilized and maintained the audio visual Centre he donated years ago, saying a desire was sparked within him “to explore how I could further contribute to the health and well-being of our community through this vital institution.”
He said, “Today, it fills me with pride to share that the current Chief Medical Director of the same hospital, Dr. (Mrs.) Bunmi Fatungashe, is among the many who benefitted from the facility during her medical training. I must also commend the State Government, as well as the Board and Management of the Hospital, for their dedication in maintaining this facility and ensuring it serves its purpose effectively till date. The facility, which is just a stone throw away from here, still looks adorable.
“Seeing the remarkable way the hospital has effectively utilized and maintained the Audio-Visual Centre, a desire was sparked within me to explore how I could further contribute to the health and well-being of our community through this vital institution.
“After seeking guidance, I learnt, that one of the most pressing needs of the hospital is a fully equipped trauma center. Without hesitation, I recognized it as another meaningful opportunity to fulfill Allah’s call to give and serve.
Today, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy as I reflect on SULAIMAN ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA TRAUMA CENTRE as another fulfilment of opportunity to serve a higher calling to give and serve.
The SULAIMAN ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA TRAUMA CENTRE stands as a beacon of hope and healing, specially designed and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide comprehensive and advanced trauma care.”
“It is my sincere hope that this centre will serve as a sanctuary of healing and recovery for individuals facing life-threatening injuries and sudden medical emergencies. By providing the best possible care with cutting- edge technology, it will significantly improve survival rates and reduce the incidence of long-term disability for victims of unfortunate traumatic events.”
In attendance at the event were Sen. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District of Nigeria; Sen. Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District of Nigeria; Akarigbo of Remoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and Remo in council; Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona (CFR), the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland and Ijebu Traditional Council; chief imam of Remoland, Fadheelat Sheik Al Imam Abdul Quadri Yussuf Jinadu; Bishop of Ijebu-South West, Rt Revd Babatunde Ogunbanwo; among others.
(Daily Trust)
