By Catherine Egwuom
The General Hospital, Apapa, says it is upgrading infrastructure, expanding specialist services and strengthening partnerships to improve healthcare delivery
The Medical Director, Dr Ime Okon, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday during the hospital’s 62nd anniversary and inauguration of its renovated Dental and Theatre Suites in Apapa, Lagos
NAN reports that the renovation was funded by The George Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic organisation supporting education and healthcare
Okon also President of the Lagos Branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), said the hospital had provided accessible and affordable secondary healthcare to residents of Apapa and neighbouring communities over the years
She listed its services to include maternal and child healthcare, medical and surgical care, emergency services, dental treatment, preventive healthcare and management of various medical conditions
According to her, the hospital has also contributed to training healthcare professionals and served as a referral centre, touching thousands of lives over its 62-year history
“The renovation of these two critical service areas is a major step towards improving the quality and scope of healthcare delivery in our hospital,” she said
Okon said the renovated Theatre would improve surgical safety, infection prevention and control, workflow and the working environment for patients and healthcare professionals
She added that the upgraded Dental Suite would provide a more conducive environment for consultations, diagnosis and treatment, while expanding access to dental services
According to her, the improved facilities would boost patient confidence, reduce referrals to external facilities and strengthen access to quality secondary healthcare
The medical director said the renovation addressed challenges arising from ageing infrastructure, prolonged use and increasing patient demand
She expressed appreciation to The George Charitable Foundation, describing its intervention as an example of effective public-private and philanthropic partnership in healthcare development
Okon said the hospital would sustain the facilities through preventive maintenance, proper equipment management, regular servicing and accountability by the relevant units
She added that staff training, compliance with standard operating procedures, infection prevention and control, and routine equipment monitoring would be prioritised
The medical director said the hospital would also strengthen collaboration with development partners, philanthropists, corporate organisations and the newly inaugurated Friends of General Hospital Apapa (FOGHA)
According to her, FOGHA would mobilise community support, re
She said the hospital’s priorities included continuous infrastructure modernisation, acquisition and maintenance of medical and diagnostic equipment, staff development and improved welfare
Okon added that the hospital would strengthen clinical governance, patient safety, infection prevention and digital transformation through electronic medical records and other digital systems
She said the hospital also plans to expand specialised medical, surgical, dental, maternal and child healthcare services, alongside preventive care, screening, health education and community outreach
The medical director said the hospital would deepen partnerships with the Lagos State Government, private sector, philanthropic organisations, professional associations and community stakeholders to improve service delivery
She described FOGHA as an important initiative, stressing that healthcare development required collective ownership and shared responsibility beyond government efforts
“I always say that a hospital is not defined merely by its buildings, equipment or number of beds; it is defined by the lives it touches and the quality of care it provides,” she said
Okon expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, The George Charitable Foundation, political, traditional and religious leaders, and other partners for supporting the hospital
“At 62, we are not just celebrating longevity; we are renewing our promise to serve, heal and save lives,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
