Rotary Club of Omole Golden, District 9110 on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, laid foundation of new neonatal ward in Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital and also donated an incubator to the hospital.
The club president, Ibironke Alaba, who stated the essence of the new neo natal ward in the hospital, noted that the club which has donated over ten incubators to the hospital, saw the need for a new ward where the incubators can be adequately utilized, having realized that many of the previously donated incubators are wasting away without being used due to lack of space to position them for usage in the existing ward.
The District Governor, Kola Sodipo described the project as unique, stating that “it is not common to see Rotary clubs around here starting the building of an edifice or facility, what we do mostly is assist in renovating the structure and providing materials but this golden club has made Rotary proud and am sure that as we lay the foundation today, we will ensure we see the completion of it in a very short time.
“Whether you are busy or less busy, it is important for us to lend helping hands to those in need in whatever form and we believe that no amount is too small. Even if it’s a smile that you share to someone that has a health challenge, at least at that particular moment, that person will feel happy”, said DG Sodipo.
The DG further said, “You can also express this gesture and kindness by joining our organization- Rotary. We have well over 100 clubs scattered all over Lagos and Ogun states and well over 400 in the whole of Nigeria. Wherever you find yourself, you will see that there is an opportunity to share Rotary with a Rotary club and also express your heart desire in serving humanity through Rotary.”
The Medical Director, Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr. Amure Olusola who also represented the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, in his remarks, noted that the current maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is 576 per 100, 000 live births. He also noted that the newborn mortality rate is currently 37 per 1000 live births.
Speaking further, he said, “Since I have been serving in this capacity from July 10, 2017, the Rotary Club of Omole Golden has visited this hospital twice to donate incubators. The situation I met on ground was terrible. They have come on two occasions, this is the third one; that shows that shows that they have a lot of passion for neonatal care.
“Now, they have scaled it up to what is called real movement to the next level because we believe that with them and us, the limit is beyond the sky. What they want to do today is construction/donation of a neonatal ward which will be fully equipped by the club. This is great. This incredible. This is philanthropy at its best which is worthy of commendation and emulation by all”, Dr. Amure said.
According to Dr. Amure, “I am certain that the two previous donations have had a mighty impact on our services because if you look at the commemoration of the ‘World Prematurity Day’ on November 17, 2017, this hospital was awarded the most improved hospital in neonatal services by a non-governmental organization called.
“I will give kudos to Rotary Club of Omole Golen. Of course, we will thank our staff but if the Rotary Club of Omole Golden had not provided those equipment, am sure we will not have been able to achieve that feat”, he added.
The District Governor, the Club President, the Medical Director, and the Head of Project Implementation Unit, Ministry of Health, and Dr. Oduwole who was also present, as well as other members of the club present, all participated in the foundation laying exercise.