By Catherine Egwuom
Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor, has commended General Hospital Apapa for its renovated theatre and dental suites
She gave the commendation at the 62nd anniversary celebration of General Hospital Apapa and the commissioning of its newly renovated dental and theatre suites on Tuesday in Apapa
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly renovated facilities were funded by The George Charitable Foundation
Represented by Mrs Jumoke Mustafa, wife of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Sanwo-Olu described the hospital’s 62nd anniversary as a testament to its longstanding contribution to healthcare delivery
She said the milestone reflected the dedication of successive management teams, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative and support staff
“The commissioning of the renovated theatre and dental suites is particularly commendable, as improved facilities strengthen surgical procedures and support prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions,” she said
Sanwo-Olu said the investments would strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver essential services and improve patients’ experience
She urged the management and staff to uphold professionalism, patient safety, accountability and respect for human dignity, while encouraging corporate organisations, community leaders and individuals to support the hospital’s development initiatives
Mrs Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, commended the Lagos State Government for its contributions toward improving the hospital and its healthcare services
She disclosed that efforts had been made to secure necessary approvals for additional projects at the hospital and expressed optimism that contractors would soon move to site
“On behalf of the good people of Apapa, your efforts will not be taken for granted,” Meranda said, appreciating the hospital’s staff for their dedication and services
In her welcome address, Dr Ime Okon, Medical Director, General Hospital Apapa, expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, support staff, patients, partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the hospital’s 62-year journey
She commended the George Charitable Foundation for funding the renovation of the hospital’s main theatre and dental suite
“The renovation represents an investment in human lives, renewed hope, safer surgical care and improved dental services,” she said
Okon said that the newly renovated facilities would improve patient experience, strengthen service delivery and promote safe, quality and dignified healthcare
Mr Lukmon Olumoh, Chairman of the occasion, advised the management on corporate organisations, to support the hospital’s infrastructure development
Olumoh, also Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, appealed to shipping agencies and companies in Apapa to contribute to improving the hospital, which serves a population of over two million people
“One assurance I want to give you is that we will try our best to give a facelift to this hospital,” Olumoh said
He also called for the hospital to receive greater attention at the state level to ensure it gets the necessary support and facilities
In his goodwill message, Dr Olukayode Oguntimehin, Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, said the occasion brought together familiar faces to celebrate the hospital’s anniversary
He thanked the George Charitable Foundation for supporting the renovation of the hospital’s facilities
He expressed hope that the hospital would continue providing services to the local government and its citizens
Also, Mrs Adejumoke Senbanjo, Chairman, Apapa Local Government, congratulated the management of Apapa General Hospital on its 62nd anniversary
“The hospital has served the community wholeheartedly and very well, and we are happy that after 62 years, it is still standing strong,” she said
She commended the hospital’s daily improvements in facilities, healthcare delivery and professional services, and congratulated the Medical Director
The founders of The George Charitable Foundation, Mr Tein and Mrs Dorcas George, represented by Mrs Ifiemi Berepubo, Secretary of the foundation, said the organisation was established to give back to humanity
“The foundation is part of the George Hotel, a five-star luxury boutique hotel in Ikoyi. When you are blessed, you should give back. And that is our belief and the belief of the founders,” she said
She said the foundation refurbished the hospital’s roof, main theatre and dental suite to improve healthcare facilities and patient care
Berepubo added that the foundation also supported schools, renovated the paediatric ward at Gbagada General Hospital and provided social assistance to communities
The personnel in charge of the renovated facilities highlighted the benefits and improvements expected from the upgraded facilities
Dr Ridwan Kekere-Ekun, Chief Dental Officer and Deputy Medical, said the renovated dental suite featured modern dental chairs, an X-ray machine and a comfortable environment to improve workflow and patient education
He said the facilities would improve patient retention and patronage, offering services including surgical extractions, crowns, bridges, veneers, composite restorations and rapid tooth whitening
Kekere-Ekun added that the inbuilt scaler, LED curing light and UV light would improve treatment efficiency, making the hospital a one-stop dental clinic and reducing referrals to external specialised clinics
Mrs Adenike Ope-Ibiwoye, Chief Nursing Staff and Theatre Manager, said the renovated theatre would improve surgical capacity by addressing longstanding space constraints
She said new operating tables, suspended operating lights and improved infection-control facilities had been provided to enhance efficiency and patient safety
“The renovated theatre will definitely increase the number of surgeries the hospital can perform and reduce patients’ waiting time,” she said
The anniversary featured an award presentation to The George Charitable Foundation for its service to humanity and free eye screening by the hospital.(NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
