Lagos-based medical directors of federal tertiary health institutions have commended the Federal Government for reforms and investments that have strengthened healthcare delivery, infrastructure, manpower development, research and patient welfare across the country.
Joint Press Conference Marks Democracy Day 2026
The heads of the institutions, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, made the remarks during a joint press conference held as part of activities marking Democracy Day 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo, said federal tertiary hospitals in Lagos had continued to collaborate in healthcare delivery, training and research despite being established at different periods. He said the institutions share a common goal of improving healthcare outcomes and commended healthcare workers across all cadres for their contributions to service delivery.
Addressing concerns over the migration of health professionals, Adeyemo noted that recent salary adjustments by the Federal Government had improved staff welfare and strengthened retention efforts.
He highlighted major investments in infrastructure at LUTH, including the construction of a new multi-million-dollar outpatient complex and the approval of about $3.8 million for a two-megawatt solar power project aimed at addressing energy challenges.
According to him, support from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals facilitated the installation of 11 elevators and about 300 solar-powered streetlights within the institution, while students in the hospital’s training schools benefited from more than N48 million disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Adeyemo said ongoing projects include the renovation of specialist wards, expansion of dermatology services and completion of the multi-storey outpatient complex.
On manpower development, he disclosed that admissions into the hospital’s healthcare training schools had been expanded in line with government directives to increase the production of healthcare professionals. He also stressed the growing importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining specialised healthcare services, particularly in cancer care, renal services and laboratory medicine.
FMC Epe: Progress in First Year
Speaking on developments at FMC Epe, Medical Director, Dr Adeleke Kaka, said the institution, which commenced operations in April 2025, was established to improve access to tertiary healthcare services for residents of Epe and neighbouring communities.
He said the hospital had made significant progress within its first year of operation, including expanding specialist services and diagnostic capabilities. According to Kaka, the facility successfully carried out its first total hip replacement surgery and now offers specialised investigations such as immunology tests, genotype testing and haemoglobin electrophoresis.
He added that the hospital had commenced internship training programmes and was working towards introducing residency training and establishing a College of Nursing Sciences.
The medical director also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including ward renovations and the solarisation of the Maternal and Child Care Centre. He disclosed that plans were underway for the deployment of a one-megawatt energy solution under the National Power for Healthcare Initiative.
Kaka further praised the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Programme, which provides emergency services for pregnant women and newborns at no direct cost while facilitating their enrolment in health insurance schemes.
FMC Ebute-Metta: Advances in Surgery
At FMC Ebute-Metta, Medical Director, Dr Saheed Ogunme, said public discourse often focuses on challenges within the health sector while overlooking positive developments in tertiary healthcare institutions.
He noted that the hospital had recorded advances in minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, colonoscopy and modern haemorrhoid treatment, leading to improved patient outcomes and shorter recovery periods.
Ogunme also highlighted the establishment of a cancer centre and the impact of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Dialysis Programme, which has significantly reduced dialysis costs for patients living with kidney disease.
Beyond patient care, he said the hospital continues to play a vital role in manpower development through internship programmes, residency training and research activities.
According to him, the institution undertakes about 20 research projects annually and recruits approximately 150 personnel each year.
Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba: Mental Health Achievements
Representing the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Clinical Director, Dr Funmi Akinola, highlighted achievements recorded by the institution over the past three years.
She said the hospital had completed infrastructure projects at its School of Psychiatry and Mental Health and upgraded facilities at the Federal School of Occupational Therapy, including the renovation of its library and establishment of a simulation laboratory.
Akinola noted that the institution remains one of Nigeria’s leading centres for training psychiatrists, nurses and occupational therapists and continues to recruit healthcare workers annually to strengthen service delivery.
She also highlighted efforts to address substance use disorders through regular training programmes and community engagement initiatives, adding that government-supported methadone replacement therapy programmes were helping individuals with opioid dependence regain stability and improve their quality of life.
National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi: Reducing Medical Tourism
Speaking on orthopaedic and trauma care, the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr Wakeel Lawal, said government reforms and investments had significantly strengthened specialised healthcare services and reduced the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.
He explained that expanded infrastructure, improved emergency response systems and investments in specialised services had enhanced the hospital’s capacity to manage trauma cases, joint replacement surgeries and other advanced orthopaedic procedures.
Lawal noted that the hospital remains a major centre for manpower development, with more than 70 per cent of orthopaedic surgeons in Nigeria having passed through its training programmes.
He added that collaborations with international partners had further strengthened skills transfer and professional development opportunities for healthcare workers.
