Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has provided insight into his impromptu visits to Island Maternity Hospital and Lagos Island Hospital, where he caught medical personnel off guard.

The governor's explanation, as conveyed through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, outlined that his unannounced hospital visits stemmed from his desire to witness the situation firsthand and ensure the adherence of staff to the health palliative initiative. This initiative encompasses covering the expenses of regular pregnancy deliveries, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care conducted within state-owned medical facilities.

Sanwo-Olu underscored that this health scheme forms part of the relief measures introduced by the state government to mitigate the challenges faced by residents following the removal of fuel subsidies.

He remarked, "I felt the necessity to personally assess the situation and identify the specific and overall areas requiring our intervention."

As outlined in the statement, Sanwo-Olu entered the hospital premises without prior notice, precisely at 6:35 pm.

The statement further details, "Quietly, at 6:35 pm, the governor entered the maternity ward of the hospital, where he encountered two expectant mothers undergoing examination."

"One of these women, Odeyemi Omowunmi, is currently in an advanced stage of pregnancy, although her expected delivery date has not yet arrived. Despite being weeks away from her scheduled delivery, the 37-year-old mother-to-be found herself admitted to the hospital.

"Odeyemi's admission was necessitated by her fluctuating blood pressure, a condition that had previously led to two unfortunate miscarriages. To safeguard her pregnancy, medical professionals recommended continuous monitoring for Odeyemi until her anticipated delivery date arrives."

"The care comes without any charges. The entirety of medical expenses is entirely covered under the comprehensive health palliative scheme that Governor Sanwo-Olu has implemented within the general hospitals owned by the Lagos State government.

"This health palliative initiative encompasses the entire spectrum of costs associated with normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care administered within the state-owned healthcare facilities.

During a conversation with the governor, Odeyemi shared, "My husband and I reside in Abule Egba, where I initially began my antenatal care at a private clinic. I was already seven and a half months into my pregnancy when the medical team discovered elevated blood pressure levels. Given that I had experienced two consecutive miscarriages before, my husband was deeply concerned about the potential loss of this pregnancy.

"We were eventually referred to Island Maternity Hospital for more advanced medical assessment. The doctors recommended that I be admitted for continuous monitoring. Initially, my husband was hesitant due to the potential costs involved. However, we were assured that the care would be absolutely cost-free. It was hard to believe until I started receiving treatment without any request for payment."

Since the launch of these complimentary medical services on the first day of August, numerous pregnant women have been beneficiaries of free deliveries and antenatal care offered throughout Lagos' government-owned hospitals.

Sanwo-Olu was guided through the maternity ward by Akinsola Dorcas, the Chief Matron in Charge.

Subsequently, the governor proceeded to Lagos Island Hospital, Odan, where he personally conducted an evaluation of the amenities within the 10-storey Doctors' Quarters. This particular location was recently marked by tragedy when a house officer lost their life in an elevator accident.

During this visit, Sanwo-Olu conducted an immediate appraisal of the apartments, storage areas, and power supply systems within the quarters. Guided by Dr. Segun Ogunlana, a representative of the House Officers, the governor carefully examined the premises.