LASUTH gets advanced neonatal centre to boost newborn survival

Towards improving newborn care, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has established a Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies.

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A statement by LASUTH on Saturday said the innovative initiative was spearheaded by its Department of Paediatrics.

The new centre aims to position LASUTH as a leading force in neonatal healthcare training in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan region, reinforcing the institution’s status as a pioneer in qualitative healthcare development.

The statement said the opening was done with notable support from Drager, a global leader in medical technology. Drager pledged to donate cutting-edge equipment and provide technical training to support LASUTH’s new neonatal programs.

LASUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, commended the Department of Paediatrics for its commitment to excellence in neonatal care.

“The Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies marks another milestone in LASUTH’s journey toward achieving quaternary-level care. This initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s efforts to elevate healthcare standards,” Fabamwo said.

He also appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s continued support in transforming LASUTH into a centre of healthcare excellence.

A Consultant Neonatologist at LASUTH, Dr Ayodeji Akinola, provided insight into the centre’s structure, which would house three specialised institutions,

“Neonatal Ventilation Academy which focuses on advanced respiratory care for neonates, Lagos Neonatal POCUS School, offers Point of Care Ultrasonography training, including functional echocardiography, cranial, lung, and vascular imaging and Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training, which Specialises in invasive procedures such as central line placement, ventricular taps, and catheter insertions.”

Akinola revealed that LASUTH was the first Nigerian institution to earn full accreditation for subspecialty training in Neonatology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He noted that Drager’s equipment donation comprising mechanical ventilators, CPAP machines, a bilirubinometer, a pulse oximeter, and an advanced incubator would enhance care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ayinke House.

Sales and Applications Manager of West Africa, Medical Division, Drager Ghana Ltd., Dr Abdulahi Buhari, reiterated the company’s commitment to improving neonatal care in Nigeria.

“Drager is proud to partner with LASUTH in this important mission. With advanced technology and specialised training, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and make a lasting impact on neonatal care in the region,” Buhari stated.

In his remarks, a Consultant Paediatrician at LASUTH, Dr Peter Ubuane, said, “This support from Drager will bolster the launch of the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, enabling us to raise the standard of neonatal care and expand our training capacity,” Ubuane said.

The establishment of CANS brings the number of training institutions at LASUTH to six within two years. Existing programs include the School of Anaesthetic Technology, School of

Orthopaedic Cast Technology, School of Echocardiography, Caregiver Academy, and the Advanced Professional Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management.

This latest initiative reaffirms LASUTH’s dedication to healthcare innovation and capacity building, with the new centre poised to play a pivotal role in advancing neonatal care across Nigeria and beyond.

PUNCH/Wumi