Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday promised to support massive investment in modern medical equipment to meet the health challenges of residents of the state.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the promise at the inauguration of Clinix Healthcare, an Ultramodern Diagnostic Centre in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
He said that private sector participation in healthcare delivery, had complemented efforts of government and yielded tremendous dividends through qualitative healthcare.
“We are delighted that the private sector partnership has yielded another state-of-the-art health facility, with the opening of this ultramodern diagnostic centre.
“Medical diagnosis is the bedrock of effective treatment. With more facilities like this, we can achieve accurate and quick diagnosis of ailments and proffer immediate treatment.
“As a government, one of our objectives is to curb the incessant travels abroad for diagnosis and treatment, through our Medical Park Project, that will make Lagos State a destination for medical tourism.
“I am reassuring the business community of our commitment to encourage investment in critical sectors, through appropriate incentives and support,’’ he said.
Ambode urged residents to take their health seriously, by going for regular checks for prompt detection of ailments and treatment.
Dr Modele Osunkiyesi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged the centre not to compromise the quality of services.
Osunkiyesi said that quality and accurate health diagnosis was the key to detecting ailments and treatment, to secure the health of the people and reduce mortality.
In his remarks, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman, Clinix Healthcare, said that the desire of the centre was to provide world class healthcare service and reduce medical tourism.
Ighodalo urged government at all levels, to support and create enabling environment to encourage the private sector to complement government’s efforts.
“Our goal is to provide quality healthcare for our people, save lives and help stem the waste of resources through medical tourism.
“We also call on governments to focus on public-private partnership in the health sector as a national vision, by creating the enabling environment and joining hands to make this a reality,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the first Clinix Diagnostic Centre located at Ilupeju ,was inaugurated in 2006, making the Amuwo Odofin centre the second. (NAN)
