The Lagos State government has disputed claims that only one dialysis machine is functional at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando. In a post on X, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, clarified that all eight dialysis machines at the hospital's dialysis centre are functional. This contradicts a video posted by Nigerian skit maker and social media influencer Akewusola Oladipupo, popularly known as MC Always, on 17 September.
In the video, Mr Oladipupo raised concerns about the condition of the dialysis centre, describing it as "in shambles" and "in a state of comatose". He claimed that only one dialysis machine was working at the facility and questioned how patients could be adequately attended to with the limited equipment. Mr Oladipupo also mentioned that the hospital's generator operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while a dialysis session takes at least four hours.
Mr Abayomi's post was accompanied by a video showing different sections of the dialysis centre and its machines. He stated that six of the machines serve general dialysis patients, while two are dedicated to patients living with HIV or hepatitis, in line with infection prevention and control measures. This, according to him, is to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care.
According to Mr Abayomi, dialysis sessions begin as early as 6 a.m. and continue until the last patient is attended to, sometimes until midnight. He also mentioned that the centre runs up to 200 dialysis sessions every month. This suggests that the centre is able to cater to a significant number of patients, contrary to Mr Oladipupo's claims.
Mr Abayomi also listed other public hospitals offering dialysis services in Lagos, including Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), General Hospital Lagos, General Hospital Gbagada, Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Yaba, and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta. This, according to him, is to ensure that patients have access to quality healthcare services.
Mr Oladipupo has continued to use his social media platforms to speak about challenges in Nigeria's healthcare system following the death of his wife from Stage 4 cancer. He has used his platform to raise concerns about access to healthcare, the availability of functional medical equipment, and the financial burden on patients and their families.
Mr Oladipupo's advocacy has sparked a necessary conversation about the state of healthcare in Nigeria. His efforts have also led to the government's response, with the Lagos State government clarifying the situation at the Alimosho General Hospital.
Key points
- The Lagos State government has disputed claims that only one dialysis machine is functional at the Alimosho General Hospital.
- The hospital's dialysis centre has eight functional machines, with six serving general patients and two dedicated to patients with HIV or hepatitis.
- The centre runs up to 200 dialysis sessions every month, with sessions beginning as early as 6 a.m. and continuing until midnight.
