The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has officially launched its Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, a significant step toward enhancing neonatal healthcare in Nigeria. Announced on Saturday, this groundbreaking initiative was spearheaded by the hospital’s Department of Paediatrics, positioning LASUTH as a frontrunner in neonatal healthcare training within the region.

A recent statement from LASUTH highlighted the centre’s opening, made possible through substantial support from Drager, a leading global medical technology firm. Drager has committed to donating state-of-the-art equipment and providing essential technical training to support the new neonatal programs at LASUTH.

Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, LASUTH’s Chief Medical Director, praised the Department of Paediatrics for its dedication to excellence in neonatal care. He remarked, “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.” He also acknowledged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support in transforming LASUTH into a beacon of healthcare excellence.

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Consultant Neonatologist Dr. Ayodeji Akinola offered details about the centre’s structure, which will comprise three specialized institutions: the Neonatal Ventilation Academy, focusing on advanced respiratory care for neonates; the Lagos Neonatal POCUS School, which provides training in Point of Care Ultrasonography; and the Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training, specializing in essential invasive procedures.

Akinola emphasized that LASUTH is the first institution in Nigeria to receive full accreditation for subspecialty training in Neonatology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He added that Drager’s equipment donation, which includes mechanical ventilators, CPAP machines, a bilirubinometer, a pulse oximeter, and advanced incubators, would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ayinke House.

Dr. Abdulahi Buhari, Sales and Applications Manager of West Africa for Drager Ghana Ltd., reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving neonatal care in Nigeria. “Drager is proud to partner with LASUTH in this vital mission. With advanced technology and specialized training, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and make a lasting impact on neonatal care in the region,” Buhari stated.

Dr. Peter Ubuane, a Consultant Paediatrician at LASUTH, highlighted the importance of Drager’s support, saying, “This collaboration 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.”

The establishment of this new centre increases the number of training institutions at LASUTH to six within just two years, joining existing programs such as 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.