Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, on Thursday commissioned a Helipad for medical emergency in Nigeria at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
According to him, the Helipad which is the first state-owned in Nigeria will complement already functioning emergency services in the state.
“This Helipad being commissioned today is a lifesaving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit and other emergency services being rendered by the State. The Helipad will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities to provide the level of emergency medicine required are not readily 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,” he said during the event.
Ambode also said the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre would become operational soon, while inspecting medical facilities at the LASUTH complex.
He mentioned that approval had been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and bulk purchase of medical equipment required in 20 Secondary and 21 Primary health facilities across the State.
He also said the government will intensify efforts to acquire an Air Ambulance to complete the cycle.
The governor also said the State is on the verge of becoming a hub for medical tourism once the Medical Park at the old School of Nursing, Ikoyi, comes on stream.
