By Ofem John, JkNewsMedia Intern
PREPARATIONS FOR the commissioning of the renovated 250-bed Medical Centre of Excellence at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, moved into their final stage on Monday as the Ogun State Government confirmed that the project will open to the public in December 2025.
The state delivered the update while Governor Dapo Abiodun inspected the facility to assess progress and review the status of major installations that form part of the ongoing completion process.
The governor explained during the inspection that the Medical Centre of Excellence originated under the previous administration but remained incomplete for several years until his government resumed work on the project.
He said the current administration intervened to address the technical and engineering issues discovered during assessment and reposition the facility to meet modern healthcare standards.
According to him, the state secured an operational arrangement under which the Abuja Medical Center of Excellence will manage the hospital in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London.
Governor Abiodun stated that the hospital is being positioned to serve as a regional hub for advanced medical services.
He said its operations are expected to reduce medical tourism and significantly cut down referrals to Lagos by providing specialist care within Abeokuta.
He noted that the facility is designed to support a wide range of medical procedures and advanced treatments, ensuring improved access for residents of the state and neighbouring states.
The governor outlined the technical issues observed when the project was re-evaluated, explaining that the engineering gaps identified required thorough review and correction to bring the structure and systems up to expected standards.
He said the administration has since rectified those issues and confirmed that the project is now approaching completion. He added that landscaping, structural work, electrical systems, and installation of medical equipment have progressed to an advanced stage.
Governor Abiodun also highlighted the state’s partnership with Healthshare Services Limited, explaining that the collaboration is under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
He said the arrangement was adopted to ensure sustainable management, efficient service delivery, and operational stability once the hospital begins service.
The governor noted that the PPP structure will combine public oversight with private-sector expertise to maintain the facility and support its long-term performance.
He reiterated that the renovation aligns with wider health-sector objectives under his administration, which aim to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and expand the scope of medical services within the state.
He also said the Medical Centre of Excellence forms part of the state’s commitment to comprehensive investments in the health sector that will improve access to quality care, strengthen medical capacity, and reduce pressure on other health facilities.
According to the governor, the administration expects the completed hospital to contribute to broader development goals by supporting medical services, attracting professional expertise, and improving health outcomes.
He said the commissioning will represent a significant step in the state’s healthcare development drive and will allow residents to access services that previously required long-distance referrals.
Project Manager, Dr Frank Etang, confirmed during the inspection that major departments within the facility are close to completion. He said radiology, ICU, theatres, and wards have reached their final stages, with installations and finishing work progressing according to schedule.
He added that the hospital is on track for commissioning next month, stating that technical teams are finalising key components and verifying systems to ensure full operational readiness.
Dr Etang explained that the last phase of work includes testing of equipment, calibration of installed systems, and quality assurance measures designed to confirm that the facility meets the required standards for a tertiary healthcare centre.
He stated that the project team has maintained a strict timeline to ensure delivery within the period set by the state government.
Continuing, Governor Abiodun said the renovation of the Medical Centre of Excellence reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering reliable healthcare infrastructure across the state.
He noted that the focus on proper engineering, installation, and facility management is intended to ensure that the centre can operate effectively and meet the expectations of the population once commissioned.
He also restated that the state aims to develop a medical institution capable of supporting both immediate and long-term healthcare needs, adding that the project will create opportunities for improved patient care, professional medical practice, and health-sector development.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that the centre begins operations as a fully functional facility equipped to provide modern medical services.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded across sections of the hospital.
He acknowledged the work of the project team and partners, noting that the coordination between contractors, medical consultants, and government agencies has supported timely delivery. He said the joint effort is expected to enable the hospital to open on schedule.
Officials from the project team equally stated that preparations for the commissioning include comprehensive checks across departments.
They said the objective is to verify that all systems meet operational specifications and that the facility is ready for patient services upon opening.
Governor Abiodun affirmed that the government will continue to monitor the final phase to ensure that the commissioning proceeds as planned.
He highlighted that the facility, once opened, will support the state’s commitment to improving healthcare access and establishing Ogun State as a centre for high-quality medical services.
Dr Etang reaffirmed that the hospital will be ready for commissioning next month, adding that the technical team is completing the last set of installations and inspections. He said the facility is on track to meet the requirements established by the state government for its opening.
The Ogun State government later affirmed that the commissioning would mark the completion of the renovation and the beginning of expanded service delivery for residents and neighbouring communities.
It also added that the facility will contribute to improved health outcomes and support efforts to reduce referrals outside the state once it becomes operational.
