On Tuesday, 17th November 2009, the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West dedicated its new hospital, DWL Medical Center. This is a hospital for women and children (though men will be served on an outpatient basis and in emergencies). This medical facility, in accordance with the specifications of the World Health Organization, will help to reduce child mortality (MDG Goal 3) and improve maternal health (MDG Goal 4), among other goals. The hospital is located in Agege, a densely populated and economically challenged area. The hospital has provided employment for over sixty persons in the area.
True to Anglican tradition, this hospital will serve all people, regardless of religious affiliation, who enter its doors. In terms of delivering medical care, the goals of the Diocese of Lagos West is to upgrade the 23 clinics operating in the Archdeaconaries into primary and secondary healthcare centers and be fully integrated into a hospital complex.
DLW Medical Centre provides a wide array of services and has the most modern medical equipment purchased from around the world. Some of the equipment is here, some is still on its way. In addition to modern medical equipment, there are full laboratory services in haematology, serology, biochemistry, microbiology and parasitology.
The hospital building is attractive and inviting. The building has been remodelled out of an existing hospital which the Diocese was able to purchase, and in negotiating the price, was able to save a few million nairas. The hospital has 24 beds, a birthing center, a neonatal ward, and an operating theater. Because of the nature of electrical service in Nigeria, the hospital has two stand-by diesel generators to make sure that it has electricity at all times.
One thing that the hospital has yet to acquire is an ambulance. Bishop Adebiyi wants the most modern equipped vehicle, like one he saw in Israel, which he termed a "mini hospital" contained within it. The ambulance is projected to be in place by next February. The Bishop is hoping that somebody or corporation will come forward and donate the ambulance. I'm sure this is a big possibility! Then there is the Good Samaritan Initiative of the Hospital, where one can pledge an annual amount to support the hospital so that it can provide services to all who seek them even if they cannot pay. There are three categories: Gold ₦100,000, Silver ₦50,000, Bronze ₦25,000. Bishop Adebiyi led by example by being the first to sign up for the Gold level. In a matter of minutes there were more Gold members as well as some Silver and Bronze members. Further details on the Diocese of Lagos West Samaritan Fund can be had by emailing dlwmedicalcentre@gmail.com, or by contacting the diocesan offices.
As the hospital brochure says, Without a doubt, the health of mothers and children is a key to solving wider economic, social and developmental challenges especially in a country like Nigeria. 'Mothers and children are the foundation of families, communities and societies. When a mother or child dies, that foundation crumbles. If we want to improve the health of future generations, we must start with the health of mothers and children today.'
A visionary diocese, The Diocese of Lagos West. Congratulations on your Tenth Anniversary with all God's blessings!
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