Transforming Lagos healthcare: The impact of facility management on service delivery

Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State has embarked on a transformative journey to overhaul its healthcare system, with a strong emphasis on improving infrastructure and service delivery. This initiative aligns with the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, which aims to establish sustainable and high-quality healthcare services for Lagosians. A key element of this vision is the integration of Facility Management (FM) companies to oversee the maintenance and management of healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that medical facilities operate efficiently and effectively while supporting the local economy.

The Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA) plays a pivotal role in this initiative, overseeing the maintenance of Maternal and Childcare Centers, Teaching Hospitals, and Accident and Emergency Centers. These facilities are tasked with maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming environments for both patients and healthcare professionals—no small feat given the complexities of maintaining large healthcare facilities with high foot traffic and 24/7 operational demands.

To understand the impact of these changes, we turn to the insights of medical professionals and facility managers who have been at the heart of this transformation.

Voices from the frontline: Testimonials from healthcare professionals
Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, CMD/CEO of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), reflects on the benefits of outsourcing healthcare facility management. According to him, outsourcing non-clinical services such as cleaning, security, and maintenance to private companies has greatly improved LASUTH’s efficiency.

He disclosed that many years ago, the National Hospital in Abuja outsourced all non-clinical activities to Facility Managers. This led to significant pushback from labor unions, with concerns about potential job losses and job security for workers.

However, over time, it became clear that outsourcing was one of the most effective and efficient ways to ensure quality service delivery in these health facilities. At LASUTH, we currently have two Facility Management Companies: LODAT Ltd and Medcourt Support Services. LODAT handles non-clinical services such as cleaning, security, maintenance of electrical equipment, painting, and more.

Meanwhile, Medcourt oversees the maintenance of medical appliances and equipment. However, there are still two facilities—Ayinke House and SDG Multipurpose buildings, as well as the Sickle Cell Center—that have not yet been outsourced. It would be beneficial for LASIAMA to bring these facilities under the scope of outsourced services, potentially integrating them into the existing contracts with the Facility Management Companies.

Overall, we have been satisfied with the services provided by the companies managing these facilities.

Dr. Olatunde Bakare, MD/CEO of General Hospital, Badagry, shares similar sentiments, praising the positive financial impact outsourcing has had, especially on the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC). By saving costs on maintenance, the hospital has been able to redirect funds toward patient care. While acknowledging that the system is not perfect, he credits the improvements in hospital operations to the initiative.

Dr. Olufemi Omololu, Medical Director at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, highlights the positive changes in the hospital since it joined the outsourcing program. He credits companies like Viropact Earth Services Ltd and Medcourt Support Service for their contributions to the hospital’s cleanliness, maintenance, and equipment care, especially in ensuring preventive maintenance of critical machines.

Dr. Agboola Moradeke Bosede, Deputy Medical Director at Ajeromi General Hospital, discusses how outsourcing has enabled healthcare professionals to focus on clinical duties while facility managers handle non-clinical functions. Despite occasional challenges, such as inconsistent diesel supply, the initiative has largely benefited the hospital, creating a functional and secure environment.

Dr. Taiwo Hassan, Medical Director/CEO of General Hospital, Ikorodu, speaks to the positive impact outsourcing has had, particularly in the maintenance of equipment and infrastructure at the MCC. He praises the facility management companies for their essential contributions to services like janitorial work, landscaping, and power supply.

Facility managers: Ensuring operational efficiency
Facility managers play a crucial role in the success of the outsourcing initiative. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day tasks, from cleaning and security to equipment maintenance and utility management. Their work is integral in creating an environment where healthcare professionals can focus on providing quality care.

Mrs. Bukola Ajayi, Facility Manager at MCC Ikorodu, Seagulf Nigeria Ltd., underscores the employment opportunities the initiative has created. She notes that facility management not only ensures the sustainability of healthcare facilities but also provides jobs for local communities. Her team at MCC Ikorodu includes cleaners, security staff, engineers, and other personnel who help maintain the hospital’s infrastructure and ensure smooth operations.

Mrs. Abisoye Oladejo, Facility Manager at Dilankit Nig Ltd., Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Ikorodu General Hospital, highlights the wide-ranging responsibilities entrusted to facility management companies. She oversees cleaning, security, electrical work, and furniture management, among other tasks. She praises the collaborative relationship with the hospital and acknowledges the job opportunities the initiative has generated.

Joseph Omboh, Facility Manager at Pillars and Frames Ltd., Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), Badagry, commends the initiative for its role in job creation and the sustainability of healthcare infrastructure. He expresses gratitude to LASIAMA for their support in ensuring that improvements are continually made.
Mrs. Olusola Odukogbe, Facility Manager at Zoneware Ltd., College of Nursing, Igando, Alimosho, highlights how facility management has alleviated many challenges at the nursing school, from cleaning and maintenance to power supply and staff training. She believes the initiative has been beneficial and applauds the foresight of the Lagos State government in embracing outsourcing.

The bigger picture: Economic and social impact
In addition to enhancing healthcare service delivery, the outsourcing initiative has positively impacted Lagos State’s economy. By partnering with local Facility Management companies, the government has created thousands of jobs, while fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses play a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals remain functional and well-maintained, and in the process, contribute to the local economy.

Facility managers, non-clinical staff, and contractors have all benefited from this program, further strengthening Lagos’ healthcare system. Through collaboration, healthcare professionals and facility managers are working together to create clean, safe, and efficient environments for patients and staff alike.

Conclusion: A vision for the future
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has set a new standard for healthcare infrastructure in Lagos State, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and quality service delivery. The partnership between LASIAMA, healthcare facilities, and Facility Management companies exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in enhancing healthcare. As these efforts continue to yield positive results, there is hope that Lagos’ healthcare system will not only meet the growing demands of its population but also serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria and beyond.