Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has restated his commitment to strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding emergency care networks, and scaling community training to save the lives of residents. Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during the 10th Anniversary and Award Ceremony of the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), an NGO dedicated to providing financial assistance for emergency medical treatment to indigent and vulnerable patients in public hospitals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr Abimbola Mabogunje, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, disclosed the state’s readiness to fortify its partnership with HEI to reach more vulnerable residents with life-saving interventions. The governor noted that HEI’s presence over the last decade has bolstered the state’s healthcare system, increased trust in emergency response systems, and elevated public confidence in healthcare delivery.
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, described HEI as a beacon of hope that reduces preventable deaths, ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians receive timely life-saving assistance. Represented by Dr Oluwatoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Ogunyemi commended HEI’s commitment to humanity, aligning it with Lagos State’s vision of resilience and people-centred health systems.
Dr Emmanuel Imafidon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HEI, highlighted that in a decade, HEI has transformed from a grassroots initiative into a national lifesaving network. HEI has provided emergency financial aid to over 35,700 indigent and vulnerable patients in 16 states and trained more than 147,500 first responders. The NGO has partnered with 85 hospitals to ensure accident victims are not turned away for lack of funds, assisting 56,870 accidents and fire victims and achieving a 72% survival rate due to swift action and coordinated care.
Imafidon pointed out challenges such as increasing healthcare costs and inflation, impacting the NGO’s ability to continue its work. He also expressed concern over the increasing deaths from road crashes and the effects of malnutrition on children. Imafidon revealed HEI’s five-year vision to expand hospital partnerships across Nigeria and increase the network of partner hospitals to 1,000, ensuring no indigent emergency patient is denied care.
Mr Paschal Achunine, Executive Director of HEI, expressed concern over malnutrition posing a threat to children aged zero to five years. To tackle this, HEI plans to introduce a N500 million Malnutrition Alleviation Fund, aiming to expand access to nutritional support and essential medical care for vulnerable families. Achunine emphasized the initiative’s resolve to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring survival is a right for every Nigerian child.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that HEI presented awards to various individuals and organizations, including the Lagos State Government and the U.S. Embassy, for their support.