.Urges residents to take full ownership facilities
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday commissioned 110-bed capacity Maternal and Child Centre in Epe area of the State, noting that with the new health facility future mothers should stop patronizing unregistered birth homes.
With Epe MCC, the Governor had inaugurated four health facilities that would take care of safe delivery across the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated Emergency and Security Regional Dispatch Centre in Epe to enhance timely response to emergencies such as fire, vehicular accidents health related issues among others.
The two events were attended by residents of Epe from all walks of life including traditional rulers, lawmakers, CDAs, CDCs and others who were visibly elated over the laudable projects.
Speaking at the inauguration of the MCC, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “I feel greatly fulfilled to be in Epe to commission another fully equipped Maternal Child Centre, a clear demonstration of our Administration’s seriousness about the war against maternal and child mortality in Lagos State.
In the last two years, we have shown great commitment to the improvement of maternal and child health indices in the State. This Four Floor, 110 bed-Maternal Child Center is another essential facility for safe childbirth and the reduction of maternal and infant mortality.
“We remain unwaveringly committed to this goal and this maternal and child centre brings to four the total number of MCCs delivered by this administration along with the ones already commissioned in Badagry, Eti-Osa and Igando.
“We are not done: our plan is to build maternal child centres across the State to improve the access of expectant mothers to the best pre- and post-natal care by professional health workers using modern and state of the art facilities.
There is no better time than now to put an end to preventable maternal and child deaths- with technological advancement, modern equipment and well trained health workers, the process of bringing life into existence should no longer lead to the loss of another life.
Apart from emergency services, this MCC is a secondary public health facility that will provide all services related to reproductive issues including: obstetrics; gynecology; pediatrics; family planning, immunization, laboratory services and radiology.
I urge all expectant and future mothers within Epe Local Government and its environs to make use of this facility and avoid patronizing unregistered birth homes, which may result in complications, lead to birth defects or loss of both mother and the unborn child.
“As you know, health is a major pillar of this administration’s THEMES Agenda: healthy citizens build healthy societies and economies; we are leaving no stone unturned to provide fully equipped modern health facilities all over Lagos State.
“Where necessary, we will build new health facilities; where appropriate, we will renovate and upgrade existing health facilties; you can, however, rest assured that all over Lagos State, our health facilities will be fully equipped and staffed to meet the health needs of all Lagosians- this is our promise.
“This Maternal Child Care Centre and the modern equipment that have been provided were made possible through taxpayers’ money: your money. You must therefore see it as your property and safeguard it because it is an essential facility that has been provided to save lives and promote your wellbeing,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, disclosed since the completion of the facility, 590 pregnant women had registered at the centre, adding that 100 childbirths had been recorded in the last three months.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, a member of the House, who represents Epe constituency I, commended the Governor for his magnanimity, saying the project which started during the administration of Mr Babatunde Fashola, would have been abandoned.
He, however, appealed to the Governor to ensure that indigines of Epe are recruited as medical practitioners into the facility, adding that there are capable hands that would manage the faculty well.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Emergency and Security Center, Sanwo-Olu said: “This facility has been staffed with well-trained personnel and furnished with the necessary equipment required for effective response to emergencies. It is designed to accommodate all relevant safety and security agencies including the Lagos State
“Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services Agency (LSFS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Ambulance Services, Lagos State Environmental & Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and the Ministry of Justice.
“The synergised efforts of all these agencies within the Centre will enhance efficiency in terms of the ability of our officers to effectively tackle emergencies and improved response time to emergencies.
“As a proactive Government, we will not deviate from our goal of ensuring that every part of Lagos is safe and secure for our people. We will continue to invest in human and capital resources that guarantee the safety and security of all residents.
“I urge all officers and staff deployed to this Centre to work in harmony because you are all bound by the same goals and mission. Your comfort and wellbeing have been taken into consideration with the provision of a clinic, a hostel that accommodates at least 20 people, a kitchen, a gymnasium, a water treatment plant, a fuel dump and 100,000 litres water storage tanks with a reservoir for easy access to fire trucks before and during emergencies.
“The people of Epe and its environs also have a role to play in ensuring that this centre functions optimally. I appeal to you to support the first responders in this facility by providing prompt information on emergency situations for effective and timely response. Our emergency numbers 112 and 767 are always available (24/7) for the public to report emergencies,” the Governor noted.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmnetal Relations, Engr Tayo Bamgbose-Martins said: “This edifice has been constructed to enhance safety and increase timely response to emergencies with necessary facilities provided to the MDAs accommodated.
“The Centre is opened to residents in this community and its environs for their easy access to government legal aid, security and timely ambulance response to health, fire or vehicular accidents”.
