Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has clarified the reason behind his surprise visits to Island Maternity Hospital and Lagos Island Hospital, catching the medical staff off-guard. In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Monday, Sanwo-Olu explained that his impromptu visits were motivated by his desire to witness the situation firsthand and ensure that the healthcare staff were adhering to the health palliative scheme.
This scheme covers the expenses for normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care provided in state-owned hospitals.
The governor expressed that he needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and determine areas requiring specific and general assistance.
According to the statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu arrived unannounced at the hospital at exactly 6:35 pm.
He proceeded to the maternity ward, where he encountered two expectant mothers receiving medical attention.
One of the women, Odeyemi Omowunmi, who is heavily pregnant but not yet due for delivery, had been admitted ahead of her scheduled delivery due to unstable blood pressure.
This measure was taken to safeguard her pregnancy after experiencing two previous miscarriages.
Odeyemi expressed her gratitude for the cost-free care provided under the health palliative scheme, which covers all medical expenses.
Since the inception of the free medical services on August 1st, numerous pregnant women have benefitted from the program, receiving free deliveries and antenatal care across various Lagos-owned hospitals.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was guided through the maternity ward by Chief Matron Akinsola Dorcas, and he further inspected facilities at Lagos Island Hospital.
This included an audit of the 10-storey Doctors’ Quarters, where a house officer tragically lost their life in an elevator accident.
The governor personally assessed apartments, storage areas, and power supply systems during the inspection, led by Dr. Segun Ogunlana, a representative of the House Officers.
