Lagos advances Trauma Care with Landmark Conference
Sanwo-Olu and others at the event
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State achieved a major milestone in its healthcare sector on Thursday as key officials gathered for the first Lagos Trauma Conference at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island.
With the theme “Advanced Trauma and Emergency Healthcare Systems for a Thriving Lagos,” the event spotlighted significant reforms aimed at improving trauma care and emergency response in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, were among the keynote speakers who emphasized Lagos’ commitment to revolutionizing trauma care.
A key moment of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Health.
This agreement formalized the transfer of the General Hospital in Epe to the Federal Government for its conversion into the Federal Medical Centre, Epe (FMC Epe), marking a significant enhancement in healthcare infrastructure.
In his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals and private sector partners in shaping Lagos’ healthcare future.
“The discussions we’ve had on enhancing trauma and emergency healthcare systems have reaffirmed our vision for a thriving Lagos,” he said.
He stressed the importance of building a resilient healthcare system capable of managing both daily emergencies and large-scale incidents.
The Governor outlined plans to upgrade and expand trauma centres across Lagos, noting that his administration had already made strides in renovating healthcare facilities. Additionally, he emphasized that trauma remains one of the leading causes of death in the state and that more must be done to improve care.
“While progress has been made in healthcare delivery, particularly in trauma care, there’s still room for improvement,” Sanwo-Olu said, announcing infrastructure developments like the construction of a state-of-the-art general hospital in Ketu.
He also highlighted workforce development, revealing plans to train healthcare professionals in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and establish paramedic and emergency medical technician programs to improve Lagos’ emergency response.
Sanwo-Olu discussed the need for financial accessibility, announcing an expansion of the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to cover emergency services.
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He also revealed plans to establish an Emergency Care Fund to ensure trauma care for vulnerable residents.
“We are committed to ensuring that no life is lost due to an inability to pay for treatment,” he stated.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, praised the transfer of Epe General Hospital to the Federal Government as a pivotal moment.
“This project reflects the vision and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, adding that FMC Epe would serve the growing population in Epe and its surroundings.
Alausa also detailed specialized services planned for FMC Epe, including paediatric and neonatal intensive care, trauma services, advanced surgeries such as open-heart procedures, and kidney transplant services. Additionally, a School of Nursing and a Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) will be established in Epe, offering training in acupuncture and naturopathy.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, emphasized the urgent need for robust trauma care systems, recalling her experiences as a medical doctor.
“Emergencies can strike anyone, anywhere,” she said, urging the reintroduction of life support training programs like the Red Cross and Scouts in schools to prepare future first responders.
Dr. Ogunyemi, another key speaker, stressed the importance of mental health support for healthcare professionals managing trauma cases, noting that resilience among frontline workers was essential to the success of trauma care systems.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, gave a detailed presentation on Lagos’ pre-hospital emergency care system, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to trauma incidents.
“Our emergency response systems must be integrated, and all providers trained in trauma management,” he said, calling for a centralized trauma registry to improve data collection and service delivery.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals from the public and private sectors, law enforcement, and emergency service providers.
