The construction site of the 130-bed new Massey Street Children’s Hospital on Lagos Island was visited on Saturday by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, and Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in an effort to monitor the status of various medical infrastructure projects in the state.
During the inspection visit, Prof. Abayomi reaffirmed Lagos State’s steadfast commitment to placing a high priority on newborn healthcare. He emphasised the significance of maternal and child welfare, stressing the state’s proactive measures to protect expectant mothers’ health and promote a strong healthcare system from the time of conception to delivery.
Concerning the necessity for a contemporary medical centre, the Commissioner noted the difficulties in getting to the outdated and crowded Massey Street Children’s Hospital. Specifically built to overcome these obstacles and continue Massey Street’s heritage as a premier worldwide healthcare facility, the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital will be a 130-bed multi-floor specialty centre for paediatrics.
The plan, which will address the anticipated high traffic in the soon-to-be largest children’s specialty hospital in Nigeria, which will provide comprehensive paediatric care ranging from primary healthcare to specialised treatments, was disclosed by Professor Abayomi. The multi-level parking lot has 310 car spaces.
Referring to the project as a greenfield venture, the Commissioner recognised the difficulties encountered in getting the underutilised area ready for construction, which included digging up rubbish that had been there for decades. The hospital’s low-carbon footprint and green design came about as a result of the dedication to sustainability, despite early obstacles.
Prof. Abayomi expounded on the intricate design of the hospital, which integrates sustainable aspects like solar energy, waste management, and ideal orientation towards natural elements. In order to further demonstrate its commitment to eco-friendly methods, the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital is currently going through the accreditation processes for LEED and EDGE certifications.
Giving updates on the status of the construction, the Commissioner highlighted the importance of strict quality control procedures. He outlined the thorough testing processes used to guarantee the integrity and longevity of the structure’s components, such as steel columns and concrete. Prof. Abayomi restated the Governor’s pledge to construct industry-standard facilities with an emphasis on sustainability over the long run.
The goal of the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital is to become a paediatric centre of excellence by the end of 2025, providing expert care for a range of paediatric medical specialties. Biotech facilities have been set aside in the neighbourhood to facilitate cutting-edge child healthcare strategies.
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to providing healthcare to all, Prof. Abayomi mentioned programmes like the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme. As per his statement, the objective is to motivate healthcare practitioners to make more contributions towards the establishment of a strong healthcare system in Lagos, with the ultimate goal of elevating the city to the forefront of healthcare provision on the continent by 2052.