LAGOS REVIEWS MAINLAND HOSPITAL READINESS AMID EBOLA THREAT

The Lagos State Government has intensified preparations for a possible Ebola Virus Disease outbreak following the reported expansion of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As part of the preparedness measures, the state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, popularly known as Mainland Hospital, to determine its readiness to respond to any high-consequence disease outbreak.

Abayomi disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, September 1, saying the inspection was carried out to strengthen Lagos’ emergency response capacity and ensure that critical health facilities could respond quickly if an Ebola case were detected.

The assessment focused on key areas of the hospital’s operations, including its infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities and clinical support systems. The commissioner was accompanied by the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Adejumo, and other members of the facility’s management team.

During the inspection, officials assessed the Emergency Operations Centre, laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, as well as ongoing external construction and maintenance works.

The exercise was aimed at determining whether the hospital’s facilities and systems could function effectively during a major infectious disease emergency, particularly one requiring rapid isolation, diagnosis and treatment.

Abayomi said the assessment identified immediate maintenance requirements in several parts of the hospital. Areas requiring attention included the Emergency Operations Centre, biobank, pharmacy, catering facilities and drainage systems.

According to the commissioner, addressing the identified needs is important for maintaining biosafety standards and ensuring that patients can receive appropriate care during a potential outbreak.

The Lagos Government's latest action comes against the backdrop of the expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures.

Abayomi said the state would continue to reinforce its health security architecture and ensure that its response systems remain operationally ready to deal with emerging public health threats.

He stressed that maintaining the readiness of critical health facilities was essential to protecting residents and preventing the spread of high-consequence infectious diseases.

The government is therefore expected to continue strengthening infrastructure, diagnostic capacity, emergency coordination and infection-control measures as part of Lagos State’s broader preparedness strategy.