The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday made a surprise visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). He went to see a 12-year-old boy named Adebola, whose mother made a video about him. The video was posted from a private medical facility to the state's tertiary facility because Adebola was experiencing issues with his intestines.
Adebola's mother made the video to seek help from the government and the public to save her son. After listening to the mother and the medical officers at LASUTH, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Adebola and his mother that they would do everything possible to improve his condition.
In the viral video, Mrs Abiodun Deborah had previously cried out to the Governor to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her son's small intestine while he was undergoing treatment at LASUTH. The surgery was performed on July 14, 2023, and Abiodun's son was referred to LASUTH from a private hospital called Obitoks Medical Centre.
Abiodun described how her son had been sick since February, with vomiting and stooling. The first hospital suspected typhoid, but when his condition did not improve, they took him to Obitoks Medical Centre where they discovered a ruptured appendix. After the surgery, he appeared healthy and went back to school, but in June he complained of stomach pain, leading to the discovery of intestinal obstruction and another surgery.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, deeply moved by Adebola's story, immediately took action to address the distressing situation. He assured Adebola's mother that the state government would intervene to ensure that her son received the best medical care available.
Following the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu promptly set up a panel of medical experts, including specialists from LASUTH, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Adebola's condition. He assigned the panel the crucial task of determining the cause of the disappearance of the boy's small intestine and providing solutions to alleviate his suffering.
The panel diligently examined Adebola's medical records, scrutinized the procedures followed during his previous surgeries, and conducted consultations with renowned medical practitioners from within and outside the state. Their exhaustive efforts yielded significant revelations.
It was discovered that there had been a mishap during the initial surgery at Obitoks Medical Centre, which had led to the inadvertent removal of a portion of Adebola's small intestine. This unfortunate error had gone unnoticed during subsequent medical examinations, contributing to the recurrence of Adebola's debilitating condition.
Upon uncovering this critical piece of information, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his profound disappointment and vowed to hold all parties involved accountable for their negligence. He openly condemned any form of malpractice in the medical field and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every Lagos resident.
In his quest for justice and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged to institute reforms within the healthcare system. He outlined a comprehensive plan, including stricter regulations, ongoing training for medical professionals, and the establishment of a dedicated medical ombudsman to address grievances and complaints from patients.
Determined to provide immediate relief to Adebola and his mother, Governor Sanwo-Olu directed the panel to explore all available medical options, both within and outside the country. With access to the state's resources and support from philanthropic organizations, arrangements were made for Adebola to undergo a medical evaluation at a renowned international hospital specializing in complex gastrointestinal cases.
The government covered all the expenses associated with Adebola's travel, treatment, and aftercare, ensuring that quality healthcare was accessible to him, regardless of his family's financial circumstances. Additionally, Governor Sanwo-Olu initiated ongoing financial support to assist with Adebola's post-treatment needs, such as rehabilitation and educational support.
Adebola's case became a catalyst for change within the Lagos healthcare system. Governor Sanwo-Olu championed reforms, resulting in improved healthcare infrastructure, increased medical training, and the introduction of measures to protect patients' rights and ensure greater accountability within the medical profession.
Through his relentless efforts and compassionate leadership, Governor Sanwo-Olu not only saved Adebola's life but also brought about lasting change that would positively impact countless lives in the future. His commitment to the welfare of every citizen solidified his reputation as a responsive and empathetic leader, committed to transforming Lagos State into a model of excellence in healthcare, governance, and social welfare.