As part of the Lagos State government’s efforts to increase access to health services on the waterways as well as the riverine communities, fibreglass, mono hull boat tagged “Floating Clinic Boat,” has been launched.
The boat with 200HP x2 capacity, was launched on Wednesday.
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It is equipped with four medical observation beds, a medium sterilization unit, o2 bottle, gauge, infusion stand, foldable stretcher and fully kitted first aid box.
The clinic boat, which is compartmentalised into four sections including; the wheelhouse (for captain and crew), observation room (for patients), doctor’s office, and nurses station and reception, has marine safety equipment including life jackets, fire buckets, life buoy, life raft, fire extinguisher and navigational lights, and equipment like Garmin ecomap, compass, VHF radio accessories and siren.
During the unveiling and inspection of the boat clinic, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, said “There is definitely an intention to expand, scale-up and integrate our ambulance services; our ambulance boats, mobile intensive care units and transport ambulances.”
He added that Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) had provided the boat, the crew and gas to run it while the ministry would provide the human resources and medical consumables for health care provision.