The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has recently inaugurated a Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, supported by the Department of Paediatrics. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish LASUTH as a leader in neonatal healthcare training not only in Nigeria but also in the Sub-Saharan region. By enhancing its capabilities in neonatal care, LASUTH continues to solidify its reputation as a pioneering institution in qualitative healthcare development. The opening event highlighted the significance of this innovation, which is expected to improve the standards of healthcare delivery within this specialization and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for vulnerable newborns.
Support for the new center has come from Drager, a globally recognized leader in medical technology, which has committed to providing state-of-the-art equipment as well as technical training for LASUTH’s neonatal programs. Such collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing healthcare initiatives. Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, LASUTH’s Chief Medical Director, praised the dedication of the Department of Paediatrics for their efforts in advancing neonatal care. He noted that the centre represents a significant milestone in LASUTH’s pursuit of quaternary-level care, emphasizing the Lagos State Government’s commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the region under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Dr. Ayodeji Akinola, a Consultant Neonatologist at LASUTH, provided detailed insights into the center’s structure, which encompasses three specialized institutions: the Neonatal Ventilation Academy, focused on advanced respiratory care; the Lagos Neonatal POCUS School, offering Point of Care Ultrasonography training; and the Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training program, which specializes in invasive procedures such as central line placements and catheter insertions. This comprehensive training framework is set to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, thereby improving the quality of neonatal care provided at LASUTH.
In conjunction with the establishment of the new center, LASUTH has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Nigerian institution to gain full accreditation for subspecialty training in Neonatology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Drager’s generous donation of advanced medical equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, and other vital apparatus, is expected to substantially improve the care offered at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ayinke House.
Furthermore, Dr. Abdulahi Buhari, Sales and Applications Manager of Drager Ghana Ltd., reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering advancements in neonatal care within Nigeria. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and providing specialized training, Drager aims to enhance patient outcomes and create a positive impact in the region’s neonatal healthcare landscape. The collaboration with LASUTH reflects Drager’s dedication to supporting critical healthcare initiatives that can lead to significant improvements in the overall quality of neonatal services available to the population.
The establishment of the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies further expands LASUTH’s portfolio of training institutions, which now totals six within a span of two years. This includes existing programs such as the School of Anaesthetic Technology and the School of Echocardiography, indicative of LASUTH’s ongoing commitment to healthcare innovation and capacity building. The new center is poised to play a vital role in elevating neonatal care standards not just within Nigeria, but also across the Sub-Saharan region, reaffirming LASUTH’s status as a key player in the advancement of healthcare education and practice.
