kakalistiq.com reports that the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government, signifying the transfer of Epe General Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC), has been described as a significant milestone in healthcare delivery for Epe and Lagos State at large. This development not only promises enhanced medical services but also economic and social benefits for the community.
“The establishment of FMC in Epe is a monumental achievement that will bring transformative health services and economic growth to our division,” said Comrade Olayinka Kazeem, a key stakeholder via a Whatsapp post today.
He praised the collaboration between federal and state authorities, highlighting the efforts of Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, and Rep. Wale Raji, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, for their leadership in making the dream of the FMC a reality.
However, despite the optimism surrounding the FMC, concerns have arisen over the town’s electricity infrastructure, which is seen as insufficient to support such a large project. Since June, Epe has experienced continuous power outages, raising doubts about the ability of the local power grid to meet the energy demands of a tertiary healthcare facility.
“The existing power distribution system in Epe cannot support an institution like the Federal Medical Centre,” Kazeem explained. “With only three hours of electricity a day under the current arrangement, this could lead to increased operational costs, which would ultimately be borne by the patients.”
Kazeem, who also serves as the Secretary of the Epe Health Committee applauded the Chairman of Epe Local Government Princes Suarah Animashaun and Honourable Olowu of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy for their invaluable contributions so far. He, therefore, proposed a solution: upgrading the community’s power supply through a 33kva transmission line from Kula’nla to the hospital. “If we can provide 12 hours of power to FMC, we would be significantly improving its operations,” he suggested, adding that this model has worked in other parts of Epe.
The call for an energy summit in Epe has also gained traction. Kazeem emphasized the need for stakeholders, including Ikeja Electric and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, to collaborate and find sustainable solutions to the community’s electricity woes. “An energy summit would bring everyone to the table, allowing us to devise a strategy for stable power in the region,” he said, noting that a reliable power supply is crucial for the success of the FMC
Efforts to address Epe’s electricity challenges, including the much-anticipated Omotosho power project, are ongoing, but Kazeem expressed concerns about the pace of progress. “While Hon. Wale Raji’s work on the Omotosho project is commendable, and Hon. Abiodun Tobun has engaged Ikeja Electric, these initiatives need greater synergy to move forward effectively,” he concluded.
The community now looks to its leaders and stakeholders to ensure that the promise of the Federal Medical Centre is not overshadowed by the power crisis, which could hinder its operations. The time for action, as Kazeem warns, is now, before the challenges escalate further.
