The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality primary healthcare through strategic partnerships, following the commissioning of a newly constructed Dental and Heart-to-Heart Clinic at the Ikate Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki.
The facility, sponsored by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, is designed to bring dental and cardiovascular services closer to residents at the primary healthcare level, while strengthening opportunities for prevention, early detection and timely treatment of health conditions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the representative of the Lagos State Governor and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Olukemi Ogunyemi, said government could not meet the healthcare needs of the growing population alone, stressing the importance of partnerships and interventions from individuals and institutions.
Ogunyemi commended the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for supporting the development of the facility, describing the project as a demonstration of the impact that collaboration between government and well-meaning partners could have on healthcare delivery.
He said the intervention aligned with the state government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare centres across Lagos and ensure that residents could access essential medical services closer to their communities.
The Special Adviser said strengthening PHCs remained essential to building an effective healthcare system, particularly because primary facilities serve as the first point of contact for many residents seeking medical attention.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr Monsurat Adeleke, expressed appreciation to Ferreira for supporting the expansion of essential healthcare services in the district.
Adeleke said the new clinic would improve access to dental and cardiovascular care while creating opportunities for residents to receive preventive services and benefit from early detection and intervention.
She, however, stressed that the commissioning of the facility came with a responsibility to ensure that the investment was properly managed and sustained. She assured that Health District III would ensure effective utilisation, maintenance and responsible management of the facility.
The Permanent Secretary also urged residents of the community to take ownership of the facility by using it responsibly and supporting efforts to protect and maintain the infrastructure for the benefit of the wider community.
In his remarks, the sponsor, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, disclosed that the facility had been fully equipped to provide the intended services.
Ferreira urged the management and staff of the PHC to maintain high professional standards and provide compassionate, patient-centred care. He said the ultimate objective of the intervention was to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by making essential services more accessible.
The commissioning marked another step towards strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots, particularly in the areas of dental and cardiovascular health, through collaboration between the Lagos State Government and strategic partners.
The event ended with the presentation of awards by Ferreira to the Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Health, Special Adviser on Health, Permanent Secretary, Health District III, and other dignitaries in recognition of their contributions to the development of healthcare in the state.
