Lagos State Health District V and Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EKOUNIMED) have strengthened discussions on strategic collaboration aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the district.
Eko Hot News reports that the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, led a management team on a working visit to EKOUNIMED.
The engagement focused on identifying areas of mutual support in healthcare delivery, medical training, research and human capital development.
The two institutions also explored opportunities for strategic partnerships that could contribute to improved healthcare services within the district.
Speaking during the visit, Asiyanbi emphasised the importance of innovative financing and stronger partnerships in advancing healthcare development.
He encouraged stakeholders to explore funding opportunities beyond traditional government sources.
The Permanent Secretary identified institutions such as the Development Bank of Nigeria, the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank as potential avenues for supporting healthcare initiatives.
He said partnerships with development-focused organisations could help accelerate projects that directly benefit communities.
Asiyanbi specifically requested EKOUNIMED’s support for improving healthcare services at the Primary Health Care level.
He proposed the introduction of basic ultrasound services at selected PHC facilities within the district.
According to him, the initiative would involve procuring ultrasound equipment and training doctors to provide basic diagnostic services closer to residents.
He noted that bringing basic diagnostic services closer to communities could support earlier identification of health conditions and improve access to essential care.
Asiyanbi estimated that about $4,000 would be required for each unit, covering the equipment and training of a doctor.
He expressed optimism that support from EKOUNIMED and other development partners could facilitate the deployment of the initiative to selected Primary Health Care centres.
The Permanent Secretary said the proposed programme would strengthen the capacity of PHC facilities while improving the range of services available to residents.
Responding to the request, the Vice-Chancellor of EKOUNIMED, Professor Gbolahan Olusegun G. Awosanya, assured the delegation of the university’s commitment to healthcare development.
Awosanya said the institution was prepared to support healthcare initiatives within its host community and across Lagos State.
He explained that EKOUNIMED’s admission policy gives priority to applicants from communities within its catchment area.
According to him, the policy reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring that people in its immediate environment benefit from its educational and development programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that a co-investor in the university’s Medicine and Health Sciences programme had indicated a willingness to donate an ultrasound machine.
He said the proposed donation was in response to the Permanent Secretary’s request during the engagement.
The development could support efforts to introduce basic ultrasound services at selected PHC facilities within Health District V.
Awosanya also expressed confidence in the future growth of EKOUNIMED.
He noted that ongoing infrastructure development and strategic partnerships would contribute significantly to the institution’s expansion and long-term impact.
The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladeinde Oluwaseun, thanked the university management for receiving the delegation.
He described the engagement as an important step towards deepening cooperation between Lagos State and EKOUNIMED.
Oluwaseun commended the founders and management of the university for their contributions to medical education.
He said the state was ready to build on the emerging relationship for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, EKOUNIMED, Professor Suleiman O. Giwa, also appreciated the Health District V team for the visit.
Giwa emphasised the importance of community participation in the development of educational institutions and healthcare projects.
He noted that the university’s host community remains an important part of its development philosophy.
According to him, sustainable projects should involve the communities where they are located and deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
The engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare institutions, educational organisations and development partners.
It also underscored the potential of partnerships to strengthen medical education, research and healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The proposed ultrasound initiative represents one of the practical areas identified for possible collaboration.
If implemented, the programme could expand access to basic diagnostic services at the Primary Health Care level.
Both sides expressed interest in sustaining discussions and identifying additional areas where their respective resources and expertise can complement one another.
The working visit therefore provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and explore practical initiatives capable of improving healthcare outcomes within Lagos State.
The engagement is expected to contribute to broader efforts to develop healthcare capacity and create stronger links between medical education and community-based healthcare delivery.
