The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has established a state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies. This innovative initiative, led by LASUTH’s Department of Paediatrics, aims to position the institution as a leading force in neonatal healthcare training across Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan region, further cementing its status as a pioneer in quality healthcare development.
According to a statement released by LASUTH on Saturday, the centre’s establishment received significant support from Drager, a global leader in medical technology. Drager has pledged to donate advanced equipment and provide technical training to bolster LASUTH’s new neonatal programs.
LASUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, praised the Department of Paediatrics for its dedication 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,” Prof. Fabamwo said. He also expressed gratitude for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ongoing support in transforming LASUTH into a centre of healthcare excellence.
Dr. Ayodeji Akinola, a Consultant Neonatologist at LASUTH, provided insights into the centre’s structure, which will house three specialised institutions: the Neonatal Ventilation Academy focusing on advanced respiratory care, the Lagos Neonatal POCUS School offering Point of Care Ultrasonography training, and the Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training centre specialising in invasive procedures such as central line placement and catheter insertions.
Dr. Akinola highlighted that LASUTH is the first Nigerian institution to earn full accreditation for subspecialty training in Neonatology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He added that Drager’s equipment donation, including mechanical ventilators, CPAP machines, a bilirubinometer, a pulse oximeter, and an advanced incubator, would significantly enhance care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ayinke House.
Dr. Abdulahi Buhari, Sales and Applications Manager of Drager Ghana Ltd., 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,” Dr. Buhari stated.
Dr. Peter Ubuane, a Consultant Paediatrician at LASUTH, remarked, “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.”
With the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, LASUTH now boasts six training institutions within two years, including 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.
