Lagos to Sponsor Open-Heart Surgeries Worth ₦8.5 Million Each for 30 Indigent Patients

The Lagos State Government will provide free open-heart surgeries for 30 indigent patients, fully funded by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The initiative aims to support those who cannot afford the N8.5 million procedure, with surgeries scheduled in three phases.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to offer free open-heart surgeries to 30 indigent patients, fully sponsored by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Monday, VerseNews reports that the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the initiative aims to assist those who cannot afford the costly procedure, which averages N8.5 million per patient. The surgeries will be conducted in three phases—April, August, and December.

“There’s a reason why we’re doing this, to let Nigerians know what we’re trying to achieve in this country. This is an opportunity to join hands with the government to advance the frontiers of science and medical interventions,” Abayomi said.

He emphasized that many patients usually seek treatment abroad due to a lack of specialized medical equipment and expertise in Nigeria.

“Many patients would normally have to spend a lot of money to go outside the country for treatment. Those who cannot afford it are left without options. Some heart conditions can be treated with medication, but others require surgical procedures.

“If patients do not have access to these surgeries, they will die of their conditions—something that, as a responsible government, we do not want to see.”

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The commissioner commended the dedication of Lagos medical professionals who have worked tirelessly to make open-heart surgery a reality within state-owned institutions.

Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, stated that only indigent patients would qualify for the free surgeries, while Prof. Bode Falase, Head of the Cardio-Thoracic Division, revealed that patient selection would begin next month.

Falase noted that despite investments in healthcare infrastructure and training, challenges remain, particularly in acquiring appropriate suppliers for medical equipment and ensuring accessible surgical care.

“Surgery remains the immediate limitation. The current average cost of open-heart surgery in Nigeria is 8.5 million naira (about $5,000). Many people simply cannot afford this, and I have seen firsthand how patients struggle due to financial constraints,” Falase stated.

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