The Lagos Island Maternity Hospital (LIMH) has marked its 65th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Muson Centre, Lagos.
Epeinsights reports that the event celebrated the hospital’s remarkable evolution from a traditional maternity facility to a world-class healthcare and postgraduate training institution.
The anniversary ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, who praised the hospital’s journey towards excellence in healthcare delivery and training.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of compassion in healthcare and urged medical professionals to uphold ethical standards in their practice.
“It is heartening to see LIMH grow into a training institution. Our calling as healthcare professionals is to serve humanity. Every life saved matters, and we must carry out our duties with compassion. The State Government, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, remains dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure across the state,” she stated.
She also highlighted the Government’s investments in maternal and child health, such as the development of Massey Children’s Hospital, which is currently the largest pediatric hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare in Lagos.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, shared exciting new developments for LIMH and announced that plans were underway to establish an In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Centre and a Centre of Excellence for Endometriosis at the hospital.
“Lagos Island Maternity is the heartbeat of women’s healthcare in Lagos. As part of our broader health sector reform, we are deploying a smart digital health information platform across the state’s public hospitals, making Lagos the first African city to implement a fully digital public health system,” he said.
Professor Abayomi also addressed the issue of the healthcare workforce shortage in the state. Currently, Lagos needs about 33,000 doctors but has only around 7,000.
To combat this, the State Government is establishing a University of Medicine and Health Sciences, which aims to produce 2,500 medical professionals annually over the next five years.
In his address, the Medical Director of Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. O.M. Omololu, reflected on the hospital’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1960. LIMH has grown from providing basic maternity services to becoming one of Lagos State’s leading referral centres for complex maternal cases.
“LIMH has consistently contributed to the development of human capital in the health sector. Over the years, we have provided hands-on clinical training for doctors, nurses and midwives from leading institutions, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the Lagos State School of Nursing and Midwifery. We are also accredited by the National Postgraduate Medical College and the West African College of Surgeons for postgraduate residency training,” he shared.
Dr. Omololu also highlighted the significant infrastructural improvements made at LIMH in recent years.
These upgrades include the construction of a new Antenatal Care (ANC) hall, enhanced consulting rooms, and revamped emergency and labour wards.
Additionally, the hospital has introduced a centralized piped oxygen system, improved patient waiting areas, and designed green spaces for enhanced patient experience.
“We have implemented a wide range of renovations across the facility, including enhancements to the neonatal ward, hospital store, staff and patient restrooms, and private rooms. These efforts are in line with our goal of improving patient experience and working conditions for our staff,” said Dr. Omololu.
A patient satisfaction survey conducted by the hospital showed that 91% of respondents would recommend the hospital to others, demonstrating the professionalism and compassionate care provided at LIMH.
Reflecting on LIMH’s journey, Dr. Omololu expressed excitement for the future, envisioning an even brighter path ahead for the next 35 years.
“The journey of the past 65 years has been inspiring. But what we envision for the next 35 years is even more remarkable. We are building a global centre of excellence right here on Lagos Island,” he concluded.
The anniversary event was attended by several distinguished guests, including His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, White Cap Chiefs, and other dignitaries. Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, former First Lady of Kwara State, was also honoured as one of the hospital’s ambassadors.
Awards were presented to former Medical Directors, notable individuals born at LIMH, and key sponsors who have supported the hospital’s continued success.
