Ambode commissions first state-owned helipad for medical emergencies

• Terminates abandoned projects at LASUTH

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday commissioned the first state-owned helipad for medical emergencies in the country at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

He also announced the termination of contracts of all abandoned projects within the Intensive Care Unit of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at LASUTH and those at the 247-bed and five theatre suits facility for pregnant women at Ayinke House, Lagos.

He said his administration would not allow lackadaisical attitude to projects execution in the state.

Ambode who was at LASUTH to commission the helipad also said that the upgrade of facilities at Ayinke House would be ready for use next year.

With the recent execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors, the governor said the state would soon become a hub for medical tourism, especially when the Medical Park at the old School of Nursing, Ikoyi is completed.

“With the support of our hardworking and dedicated personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our objectives in the sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy state,” he assured.

Inspecting medical facilities at the LASUTH complex, the governor said as part of efforts to transform the health sector for optimal performance, the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre will soon become operational, while approval had been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and bulk purchase of medical equipment for the 20 secondary and 21 primary health facilities across the state.

“This helipad being commissioned today is a life-saving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this unit and other emergency services being rendered by the state. The facility will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities to provide the level of emergency services required are not 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, it was obvious the helipad had to be located here,” the governor said.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said with the commissioning of the helipad, LASUTH would soon be elevated as a level one trauma centre.

The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adewale Oke lauded Governor Ambode for providing the facility.
He also announced the governor’s directive that motorists should not be charged for parking space at the hospital.