The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for collaboration among stakeholders to build a sustainable healthcare sector in the state.
The governor, who reiterated the need for continued collaboration to achieve Lagos’ goals of becoming a global city, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the state’s development, especially in health.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of a healthcare hub project, Lagos MediPark Hospital aimed at improving the state’s healthcare system and reducing bed-space deficit in the state, Sanwo-Olu underscored the role of sustainable infrastructure in improving Lagos’ healthcare system.
The 140-bed MediPark hospital is a public-private partnership project between the Lagos State Government and IASO Medipark Limited.
The project is expected to feature a 140-bed multi-specialist hospital, state-of-the-art diagnostics centre, residential spaces, training facilities and commercial and retail medical outlets.
The governor expressed his excitement about the project, which he described as a symbol of what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He recalled the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and how it highlighted the need for improved healthcare infrastructure in the state.
He noted that the Lagos MediPark is designed to address this need and provide a wide range of medical services to residents of the state.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the importance of the project in promoting medical tourism and reducing the need for residents to travel abroad for medical treatment.
He added that completion of the healthcare project would position the state as a premier destination for healthcare investment and establish it as a beacon of medical excellence on the African continent.
He commended the Lagos State Government’s Public-Private Partnership Office for its role in facilitating the project and ensuring its successful takeoff.
The governor also acknowledged the support of other stakeholders, including investors, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, who have contributed to the success of the project.
He expressed his optimism that the Lagos MediPark will become a model for healthcare delivery in Nigeria and a source of pride for the state.
He added, “There are several other people that can support this investment, this infrastructural development, and this MediPark as a place of pride and history for all of us. We want to drive past this development and see it go immediately to construction.
“Lagos can take six to seven cancer centres. We can take four to five medical parks of this size. The city is big, and there is enough space for everyone to flourish.
“The Lagos state government is not just folding arms and not doing anything.
We are building the largest, the biggest pediatric hospital in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa which is the new Massey Children’s Hospital.
“In Ojo, we are building the largest cardiac centre hospital. And in Epe, we are building the largest mental health facility that will have, the first phase will have close to 1,000 beds.
“We are taking it in big sizes because that’s what the city requires. That’s what we believe all of you truly, really want us to leave you with. And so we’re doing several others in that health space.”
Earlier in her remarks, the CEO, Iwosan Investments & IASO Medipark SPV, Fola Laoye explained that the Lagos MediPark is designed to provide a wide range of medical services, including specialised care, diagnostics, and research.
Laoye emphasised the importance of the project in promoting healthcare development in the state and providing opportunities for healthcare professionals to develop their skills and expertise.
“It is especially noteworthy that while this is privately funded, built and operated, 20 per cent of the hospital beds are reserved for the indigent population of Lagos state, access which is made possible by the State Government.
