Lagos State has made significant strides in improving its trauma care and emergency response systems, marking a major milestone in the state’s healthcare landscape. The inaugural Lagos Trauma Conference brought together key government officials, healthcare professionals, and private sector partners to discuss reforms aimed at enhancing trauma care.
The Lagos State Government signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Ministry of Health, transferring the General Hospital in Epe to the Federal Government for conversion into the Federal Medical Centre, Epe (FMC Epe).
Plans are underway to upgrade and expand trauma centers across the state, including the construction of a state-of-the-art general hospital in Ketu.
Training programs in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) for healthcare professionals and the introduction of a paramedic and emergency medical technician program will improve the state’s field response capabilities.
The Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme will be expanded to cover emergency services, and an Emergency Care Fund will be established to provide trauma care for vulnerable residents.
There is a call to reintroduce programs like the Red Cross, Girls’ Guide, and Boy Scouts in schools to train students in basic life support.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, emphasized the importance of preparedness and trauma care, drawing from her personal experience as a medical doctor. Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the need for mental health support for healthcare professionals dealing with trauma cases, while Dr. Olusegun Ogboye stressed the importance of a coordinated response to trauma incidents and data collection in improving trauma care.
The conference demonstrated Lagos State’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services, particularly in trauma care and emergency response. With these reforms, Lagos is poised to become a model for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
