In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, efficient facility management has never been more crucial, especially in a bustling metropolis like Lagos.
Recent initiatives spearheaded by the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA) under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration represent commendable steps toward elevating the standards of healthcare facilities across the state.
The government’s commitment to reforming healthcare infrastructure is evident in the comprehensive strategies implemented to bolster public health services.
Central to this revitalisation is the One-Health Paradigm, which aims to enhance public health infrastructure and services across Lagos.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has prioritised the transformation of health infrastructure. This initiative responds to an urgent need for a sustainable maintenance regime that not only preserves hospital standards but also ensures the provision of quality medical services throughout the state. Consequently, LASIAMA has developed and implemented maintenance frameworks tailored for teaching hospitals, general hospitals, and Maternal and Childcare Centres (MCCs), engaging facility managers to oversee daily operations.
The role of healthcare facility managers extends beyond mere operational oversight; they ensure that the environments in which healthcare is delivered are safe, efficient, and welcoming. This complexity is evident in the varied tasks required to maintain different healthcare facilities. Some buildings necessitate extensive upkeep due to age, while others require specialised expertise to manage cutting-edge systems.
Facility management teams are tasked with a range of responsibilities, including executing repairs, formulating preventive maintenance plans, and managing utilities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Significantly, the establishment of a standardised facility management structure across key health institutions such as the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba and various MCCs has proven vital. Each facility typically employs an average of 43 non-clinical staff, including cleaners, security personnel, and maintenance workers, contributing to job creation in Lagos. This focus on staffing has not only improved operational efficiency but also fostered community engagement and a sense of ownership among local residents.
In addition to operational enhancements, the introduction of facility management aligns with the second pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda – Health and Environment. The Sanwo-Olu administration has prioritized the health and well-being of Lagosians, directing significant resources toward the rehabilitation of General Hospitals and MCCs.
Extensive renovations at facilities such as the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Infectious Disease Hospital underscore the commitment to ensuring quality healthcare access for all residents.
Given that the internally generated revenue of hospitals may not fully meet the demands of infrastructure asset maintenance, effective facility management becomes even more essential. LASIAMA boasts of a well-coordinated team, led by General Manager, Ms. Adenike Adekanbi, dedicated to maintaining high operational standards despite competing demands. Their proactive approach includes regular unannounced assessments to ensure facilities remain prepared to meet healthcare challenges.
The structured maintenance framework introduced by LASIAMA has garnered positive feedback from medical directors and stakeholders, marking a transformative era for Lagos’ healthcare system.
Enhanced facility management has resulted in noticeable improvements in patient care, as reflected in increased patient satisfaction and positive community feedback. Sanwo-Olu’s initiatives, such as the Ilera Eko Healthcare insurance programme, further support these improvements by enabling hospitals to provide affordable healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Partnerships with facility management companies, including Lexicon Integrated, LODAT Limited and Roomy Outsourcing Nigeria Limited have also proven crucial in maintaining existing structures while fostering job creation. For instance, the collaboration at the MCC in Epe exemplifies the dual benefit of improving healthcare delivery and supporting local enterprises.
The introduction of specialized service providers, such as Viropact Earth Services Limited at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, illustrates the advantages of outsourcing facility management, allowing healthcare workers to concentrate on patient care without the distraction of operational logistics.
Furthermore, the commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards within these facilities has been transformative. Establishing dedicated HSE teams ensures adherence to best practices, safeguarding both staff and patients. This proactive approach is especially significant in the wake of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, where maintaining stringent health standards is imperative for patient safety and public confidence.
The statistics underscore the impact of these management strategies: an average of 43 personnel dedicated to non-clinical operations per facility highlights the broader implications of effective facility management. This initiative not only creates jobs but also fosters a cohesive healthcare workforce, which is crucial for a city as densely populated as Lagos. The recognition from public figures, such as comedian Seyilaw, who praised the MCC in Eti-Osa for its exemplary condition, further emphasizes the importance of maintenance teams in enhancing community perceptions of healthcare facilities.
In this context, LASUTH serves as a case study for the necessity of effective facility management. With a continuous influx of patients, the pressure on healthcare professionals can escalate without a streamlined operational approach. Efficient facility management mitigates this strain, ensuring that healthcare providers can focus on delivering high-quality care to an ever-growing patient population.
While initiatives like the Ilera Eko Healthcare insurance programme are commendable, they cannot thrive without robust facility management underpinning healthcare services. The collaboration between LASIAMA and healthcare providers ensures that infrastructure keeps pace with increasing healthcare demands, reinforcing the state’s ambitious healthcare agenda.
In conclusion, the LASIAMA-led initiative marks a pivotal moment for healthcare in Lagos. By investing in professional facility management, the state enhances service delivery and sets a benchmark for healthcare excellence. The commitment to continuous improvement and integration of best practices ensures that Lagos can emerge as a reference point for healthcare delivery, attracting both local patients and international medical tourism.
As we reflect on these developments, it is vital to recognize the invaluable role of facility managers in this journey. Their expertise allows healthcare professionals to focus on their core mission – providing care – while maintaining a safe and efficient working environment. The strides made by LASIAMA in improving healthcare facilities should be celebrated as a critical step toward a healthier Lagos, illustrating that effective facility management is not just a support function, but a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery.
Musbau is the Director of the Public Affairs Unit at LASIAMA, Alausa, Ikeja
