Lagos Island Maternity Hospital clocks 65 years

The Lagos Island Maternity Hospital (LIMH) on Wednesday, 2nd June 2025, commemorated its 65th anniversary at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

The event highlighted the hospital’s transformation from a traditional maternity facility into a world-class healthcare and postgraduate training institution.

In her message, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery and training. She urged all medical professionals to uphold ethical standards and serve with empathy.

“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 said.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the Government’s recent investments in maternal and child health, citing projects such as the Massey Children’s Hospital, currently the largest paediatric hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, as a reflection of the administration’s strategic commitment.

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced that plans are 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 ongoing challenge of human resource gaps in the healthcare sector. He revealed that while Lagos requires approximately 33,000 doctors, the current workforce stands at about 7,000.

To address this, the State Government is establishing a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences aimed at producing 2,500 medical professionals annually over the next five years.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. O.M. Omololu stated that since its establishment in 1960, LIMH has evolved into one of Lagos State’s foremost referral centres for complex maternal cases, with significant achievements in specialist medical care, residency training, digital innovation, and maternal mortality reduction.

Providing an overview of the hospital’s progress, Dr. Omololu noted that LIMH has grown beyond offering basic maternity services to become a full-fledged secondary care facility. He disclosed that the hospital currently hosts fully accredited residency programmes in obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia, family medicine, and paediatrics.

“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 the 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 stated.

The Medical Director outlined the major infrastructural and technological improvements at LIMH in recent years. These include the construction of a new antenatal care (ANC) hall and patient waiting area; upgrades to consulting rooms, emergency and labour wards, the pharmacy, reception, and administrative offices; as well as repainting and installation of air conditioning and a centralised piped oxygen system.

“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. We have also introduced green areas, a redesigned hospital fountain, and a dedicated consultants’ lounge. These efforts are in line with our goal of improving patient experience and working conditions for our staff,” he said.

He noted that LIMH’s patient satisfaction survey revealed that 91% of respondents would recommend the hospital to others; a testament to the institution’s professionalism and compassionate service delivery.

Dr. Omololu acknowledged the critical support of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Health Service Commission, LASIAMA, the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, partner hospitals, and philanthropic organisations. He affirmed that their collaboration has been vital to the hospital’s growth and sustained impact.

“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 celebration was attended by His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos; White Cap Chiefs; and other dignitaries, including Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, former First Lady of Kwara State, who was honoured as one of LIMH’s ambassadors. Awards were presented to former Medical Directors, notable individuals born at the hospital, and key sponsors who have contributed to LIMH’s ongoing success.