By Blessing Bature
The Federal Government has called for stronger participation from the private sector and increased investment in the country’s healthcare system as the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, marks its 80th anniversary amid mounting challenges, including rising trauma cases, escalating operational costs and persistent funding gaps.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this at the anniversary lecture and commissioning of landmark projects at the hospital, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary healthcare delivery through targeted investments, infrastructure upgrades and expanded public-private collaboration.
Salako described the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, as a long-standing centre of excellence that has, over the past 80 years, provided lifesaving treatment and rehabilitation for Nigerians suffering from traumatic injuries, bone disorders and complex reconstructive conditions.
He noted that the institution’s history reflects consistency and dedication, adding that its workforce has continued to restore mobility, rebuild lives and offer renewed hope to thousands of patients across the country.
According to him, the inauguration of new facilities within the hospital signals increasing confidence from development partners, donors and stakeholders in its long-term growth and sustainability.
Projects unveiled at the event included a staff residential complex donated by the Murtala Adegboyega Ibraheem Foundation, a patient relations hostel supported through the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and upgraded ward facilities backed by the NNPC Foundation.
The minister also revealed that the second phase of the College of Nursing Sciences hostel project, facilitated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals led by Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, was approaching completion.
He called on corporate bodies, philanthropists and development partners to deepen their support for specialised health institutions, noting that increasing cases of road traffic accidents, occupational injuries and degenerative bone conditions were placing additional pressure on orthopaedic services nationwide.
Salako stressed that sustained investment was essential to keep institutions like Igbobi Hospital functional and responsive to emerging healthcare demands.
Also speaking, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, said the facility had continued to operate under significant financial and infrastructural constraints, revealing that electricity costs alone range between N13 million and N15 million monthly.
He appealed for enhanced government subvention and stronger collaboration with the private sector and philanthropic organisations to improve infrastructure, expand capacity and modernise medical equipment.
The special guest at the occasion, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, emphasised that long-term sustainability of healthcare institutions depends on consistent investment, innovation and multi-sector partnerships.
He described the hospital as a vital centre of care and recovery for many Nigerians, while urging stakeholders to sustain support for its growth and service delivery.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority Act in Lagos State would significantly improve healthcare financing and expand access to quality medical services.
He explained that health insurance remains key to shielding citizens from catastrophic health expenditures, particularly in emergency cases requiring specialised care.
Abayomi added that the state government is working with private health providers and Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to broaden insurance coverage and improve accessibility for residents.
