In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare delivery, kakalistiq.com reports that Rep. Wale Raji, the Member representing Epe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, joined key stakeholders from both state and federal health services to address concerns surrounding the transformation of Epe General Hospital into a Federal Medical Center.
The gathering saw the presence of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Health, Dr Oluwakemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye; Dr. Salaudeen, Director, Hospital Services, FMH; Dr. Adedamola Dada, Chief Medical Director, FMC Ebute-Metta and Dr. Adeleke Kaka, MD, FMC Epe. Others include Director of Admin, FMC Epe; Mr Shittu Adekunle, Mrs Betty Mopelola, Dr. Bayo Adedewe, Dr. David Atuwo, Dr. Aderemi Azeez, Mr Shobowale Oluwaseun, and Dr. Ayoola Olorunfemi.
Addressing a gathering of staffers and community members, Raji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the rapid approval of the Federal Medical Center, which has positioned Epe alongside Ekiti and Bauchi as the three new beneficiaries of federal medical upgrades this year.
“First, I want to thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving this upgrade,” said Raji. “Special thanks also go to Dr. Tunji Alausa and our state officials for their swift actions. This was no small feat, and Epe is fortunate to be among the three centers approved nationwide within such a short time.”
Raji assured attendees that the establishment of the Federal Medical Center is a welcomed development for the community. “If you ask if this is good for Epe, the answer is a resounding yes. We wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t fully support this move,” he stated. “The executive actions were quickly backed by legislative approval, and I am pleased to announce that the bill will receive presidential assent as soon as we resume next week.”
The upgrade promises not just enhanced medical services but also academic opportunities for the community. “This isn’t just about improved healthcare,” Raji emphasized. “We are setting up a School of Nursing and a campus for the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine right here in Epe. We’ve secured land for these projects, and our first intake will welcome 500 to 700 students.”
He continued, “This Federal Medical Center will also serve as a teaching hospital, providing an avenue to train our medical doctors. It’s not just healthcare; it’s a transformation for our entire community.”
The transformation comes at a significant moment as the Epe General Hospital, established in 1954, marks its 70th anniversary. However, the change has sparked questions among staff and residents, particularly regarding the continued role of the Lagos State Government in providing medical services in the division.
“Will the transition to a Federal Medical Center stop the Lagos State Government from providing medical services in Epe?” Raji asked rhetorically. “The answer is no. Epe General Hospital’s transformation does not signal the end of state healthcare services in our constituency. We have other state facilities, including Ketu General Hospital, Agbowa General Hospital, and the Ibeju Lekki Hospital, which will continue to receive attention and expanded services.”
Raji concluded by expressing optimism for the future, stating, “This upgrade is a monumental achievement for our community. It’s not just about better facilities; it’s about a brighter future for healthcare and education in Epe. I congratulate everyone here today for witnessing this historic transformation.”
With the transition underway, Epe stands on the brink of becoming a key healthcare hub, a development that promises to uplift the division’s medical and educational landscape.
