The healthcare system in Nigeria got a huge commendation on Saturday when CNN journalist, Isha Sesay, revealed that doctors and nurses at Lagoon Hospital in Apapa, Lagos saved her mother’s life.
In messages posted on Twitter, the 41-year-old said she turned to Nigeria when Sierra Leone, her country of descent, could not provide the needed medical attention.
Her mother, Dr Kadi Sesay, a former lecturer at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, was an advisor to former military ruler, Valentine Strasser, who presided over the West African country from April 29, 1992 to January 16, 1996.
The poor state of healthcare in her country, However, meant a citizen of Dr Sesay’s stature did not have access to quality treatment.
“When my mother took ill in Sierra Leone last December, I had to take her to Nigeria. I’m so grateful for Nigerian nurses and doctors who saved her life,” Sesay said in one of her tweets.
When my mother took ill in Sierra Leone last Dec I had to take her to Nigeria. I’m so grateful for Nigerian nurses & docs who saved her life https://t.co/BSea9c4iPA
— Isha Sesay (@IshaSesayCNN) July 1, 2017
Although she did not disclose the nature of her mother’s illness, the US-based CNN employee, who has since acquired a British citizenship, said the treatment was carried out at Lagoon Hospital where the patient was in the intensive care unit for three months.
Many have asked which hospital my mum was admitted to in Nigeria. It was Lagoon hospital in Apapa. She was in ICU for 3 mths #gratitude https://t.co/kcGzra1qq8
— Isha Sesay (@IshaSesayCNN) July 2, 2017
Thank you for all the well wishes for my mother’s speedy recovery. The kind words and prayers are really appreciated. #gratitude https://t.co/xZZz9Etdoy
— Isha Sesay (@IshaSesayCNN) July 2, 2017
This is not the first time a hospital in Lagos will receive foreign commendation for exemplary service.
Doctors and nurses of First Foundation Hospital in Obalende wrote their names into medical folklore for their prompt intervention in preventing the spread of the Ebola virus in 2014.
The heroics of the medical team led by Dr Stella Adadevoh, who tragically lost her life along with a few other, is told in the film 93 Days which was produced with assistance from Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
Responding to Sesay’s testimony, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said it is heart-warming to know that the popular journalist chose a hospital in Lagos, just as the government is ramping up healthcare services to the residents and visitors.
“Several people from West African countries flock our hospitals for treatment, especially the general hospital.
“The emergency treatment hospital at the Old Toll Gate in Lagos especially has become a lifesaver for many from neighbouring countries.
“It is the only one of its type in West Africa and there have been several cases of accidents happening in neighbouring states or Cotonou that are referred there,” Mr Ayorinde said in a message sent to Qed.ng.
