Chijioke Iremeka
The Lagos State Government has transferred Epe General Hospital to the Federal Government, elevating its status to Federal Medical Centre, Epe.
The handover agreement was signed between Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, on behalf of the state and federal governments, respectively.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Lagos State and the Federal Government was signed on Thursday at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, during the Lagos Trauma Conference 2024, organised by the State Ministry of Health.
Speaking during the transfer, Alausa said that the newly designated FMC will be equipped to offer a broad range of specialised medical services, including paediatric care with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for critical newborns, as well as a state-of-the-art Medical ICU for adults.
He noted that the Epe FMC will also serve as the clinical posting site for students of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine which would soon be established by the Federal Government on the same axis.
Alausa said, “The establishment of FEDCAM on-site will allow students pursuing courses in acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic medicine, osteopathy, and herbal medicine to gain hands-on experience within a world-class medical facility.
“In a further boost to healthcare education, there are plans to establish a School of Nursing at the centre by next year. This new nursing school will provide critical training to healthcare professionals, ensuring that the next generation of nurses is well-prepared to deliver top-tier care.
“This move is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services for the people of Epe and surrounding areas, enhancing the range of treatments available while also promoting healthcare education through the integration of nursing and complementary medicine programmes.”
He added that Lagos State has become a model state for the Federal Government and other states to follow.
On his part, Sanwo-Olu described the stride as a game changer that would shape the future of health delivery in Lagos, noting that the development further demonstrated the power of healthy collaboration between state and federal governments.
He said, “The upgrading of Epe General Hospital marks a new step forward in our tireless efforts to expand access to quality healthcare for our residents. The conversion of the hospital to a Federal Medical Centre is a game changer that will shape the future of healthcare delivery in Lagos.
“This development aligns with the current conversation we are having today, especially with the theme of this conference that is aimed at enhancing trauma care and attending to emergencies for a thriving Lagos. This is part of our mission to ensure Lagos continues to be a safe and thriving city that is worth living in.”
He noted that the new collaboration between Lagos and the Federal Government provides for the establishment of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a new specialised training institution in Ilara Igboye, Epe Division.
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