Dr. Saliu Oseni, the Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of Isolo General Hospital, Lagos, has announced the establishment of a 10-bed psychiatric ward at the secondary health facility. This initiative aims to alleviate the pressing issue of limited admission spaces for patients with mental illnesses in the state.
During the 2024 New Year Party/2023 Retirees sendforth organized by the hospital, Dr. Oseni emphasized the importance of the psychiatric ward in reducing the financial burden on families seeking admission for their loved ones in private facilities. He noted that the cost of admission in private settings was often exorbitant and unaffordable for many, hence the need for a more accessible alternative.
Highlighting the significance of this development, Dr. Oseni stated that Isolo General Hospital is poised to become the first general hospital in Lagos State to house a psychiatric ward. This initiative aligns with the concerns raised by senior mental health professionals regarding the deteriorating mental health of Nigerians amidst worsening socio-economic conditions.
According to Dr. Oseni, the psychiatric ward will offer affordable services to patients, complementing the existing psychiatric admission services provided by Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services and ensuring a positive patient experience.
Furthermore, Dr. Oseni highlighted the hospital’s recent infrastructural developments, including the refurbishment of the electronic medical report system, procurement of desktops and laptops, and repair of generators to improve power supply. He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ongoing renovations within the hospital and appealed for continued support from the state Ministry of Health for infrastructural upgrades and equipment procurement.
The establishment of the psychiatric ward at Isolo General Hospital represents a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of the community and providing accessible healthcare services to all residents.