Gbenga Ilemobayo
The Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, has received a significant boost following the handover of its newly renovated and equipped antenatal clinic.
The project, spearheaded by the North American Chapter of the Sacred Heart School of Nursing and Midwifery Alumni (SHSOMAN), was designed to enhance the patient experience by creating a dignified, patient-centered environment.
Speaking at the handover, the Global Alumni President, Taiwo Akinboboye, described the initiative as a symbol of compassion and a firm commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health.
She noted that the project represented hope for families and future generations.
The President of the North American Chapter, Oyinlola Talabi, emphasized that the upgrade aimed to restore trust and respect in local healthcare delivery.
According to Talabi, the facility was overhauled to promote safer pregnancies and strengthen the hospital’s overall capacity.
“One thing we care deeply about is investing in the healthcare industry and patient care. We want patients to be active participants in their healthcare team, not just objects of care. This facility is designed to impact their lives positively,” Talabi explained.
Also speaking, a former President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, AbdulRafiu Adeniji, called for increased collaborative funding to support similar healthcare projects.
In their respective goodwill messages, Ambassador of the SHSOMAN Alumni, Remi Olusesi, , and Folakemi Enilolobo, emphasized that quality antenatal care remained the most critical factor in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the region.
Responding on behalf of the hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Gregory Arifalo, lauded the intervention as timely, noting that it directly addresses the aging infrastructure of the facility.
He noted that the 130-year-old institution remained a pivotal healthcare provider for Ogun State and neighboring regions.
“We truly appreciate this laudable gesture from the North American alumni. On our part, we shall continue to strive to ensure we provide effective service to the people at all times,” Arifalo stated.
The renovation, valued at millions of naira, included both structural upgrades and the donation of essential medical and administrative tools like laptops for data management, ceiling fans and new office desks.
It also includes diagnostic tools like blood pressure apparatus, glucose monitors, stethoscopes, infrared thermometers, and pulse oximeters.
Organisers noted that this handover marked the beginning of a larger commitment to community health development, with further interventions expected to enhance maternal care and overall wellbeing in the future.
