Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has given an explanation for why he unexpectedly visited Island Maternity Hospital and Lagos Island Hospital and caught the medical staff off guard.
This information was released by the governor on Monday through a statement from his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu claims that the reason for his visit to the hospitals was his desire to personally observe the conditions and ensure staff adherence to the health palliative scheme, which pays for natural deliveries, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care performed in state-owned hospitals.
The health scheme is one of the relief measures implemented by the state government to alleviate the hardship experienced by residents as a result of the fuel subsidy removal policy.
“I need to come and see things for myself,” he said, “in order to know where our intervention is specifically and generally needed.”
According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu walked into the hospital unannounced at 6:35 p.m.
“At 6:35 p.m., the governor walked quietly into the hospital’s maternity ward, where two expectant mothers were being examined,” according to the statement.
“One of them, Odeyemi Omowunmi, is heavily pregnant, but she is not yet due to give birth.” The 37-year-old expectant mother was forced to admit herself weeks before her due date.
“Odeyemi’s forced hospitalisation was due to her unstable blood pressure, which had caused two previous miscarriages.” Doctors advised Odeyemi to be placed under constant observation until she is due for childbirth in order to avoid losing the pregnancy.
“The care is provided at no cost.” Medical expenses are fully covered under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s health palliative scheme, which applies to all Lagos State-owned General Hospitals.
“The health palliative covers the costs of normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean section, and antenatal care provided in state-run hospitals.”
In an interview with the governor, Odeyemi stated, “My husband and I live in Abule Egba, where I started antenatal care at a private clinic.” They discovered my blood pressure was too high when I was seven and a half months pregnant. After two miscarriages, my husband was concerned that I would lose the pregnancy again.
“When doctors told me I needed to be admitted for continued observation, we were referred to the Island Maternity Hospital for an advanced medical examination.” My husband initially refused to admit me because of the cost. However, we were told that the care is completely free. We did not believe it until I began receiving treatment without being asked to pay a dime.”
Since the start of the free medical services on August 1st, hundreds of pregnant women have benefited from free deliveries and antenatal care at Lagos-owned hospitals.
The Chief Matron in Charge, Akinsola Dorcas, led Sanwo-Olu around the maternity ward.
The governor then went to Lagos Island Hospital in Odan, where he personally audited the facilities in the 10-story Doctors’ Quarters, where a house officer died recently from injuries sustained in an elevator accident.
Sanwo-Olu assessed the apartments, stores, and power supply systems in the quarters on the spot.
Dr. Segun Ogunlana, a representative of the House Officers, led him.
