The Lagos State Ministry of Health is taking a proactive step towards strengthening its emergency healthcare system. A two-day Emergency Healthcare Services Strategy Workshop was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA Ikeja on July 4th and 5th, 2024.
This crucial event brought together key players in the emergency and trauma care ecosystem. Participants included healthcare providers, emergency personnel, policymakers, and funders. Their collective expertise focused on tackling critical challenges within the current emergency healthcare framework.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, emphasized the workshop’s significance. Its goal was to assess the current state of emergency care, from the point of incident to medical attention. Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the need for a robust system that ensures accessible and timely emergency care for all Lagosians, regardless of location or financial situation.
She highlighted preparedness, adequate resources, and technological advancements as key components for an improved emergency response system. Dr. Ogunyemi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, emergency services, and community organizations in building a resilient emergency healthcare network.
The workshop delved into several key areas:
Evaluation of trauma care
Assessment of the current ambulance services
Addressing logistical challenges in patient transfers
Strengthening integrated care systems
Discussions also focused on sustainable financing models, quality of care, governance, and the role of technology in enhancing emergency healthcare across the state.
The workshop aimed to achieve three key outcomes:
A comprehensive analysis of the current situation
A working document outlining an end-to-end pathway for emergency care
The establishment of working groups to implement recommendations over the next year
The results of the workshop will be presented at the upcoming Lagos Trauma Care Conference for further discussion and validation.
Dr. Ogunyemi concluded by calling for collective action from all stakeholders. She urged everyone to work together to advance emergency healthcare services in Lagos, ensuring that everyone receives the critical care they need in their time of greatest need.
