Ambode Commissions RCCG City of David's Ultramodern Dialysis Centre

Dr Alonge formally opening the new wing of the Hospital

The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode recently commissioned the expanded dialysis centre and a brand new dental unit established by the City of David Parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God under its Healing Stripes Hospital. The event also witnessed the re-launched of its popular charity shop; It’s New to Me at Oniru Estate, Victoria Island Lagos.

Ambode, who was represented by Dr. Jemilade Adegoriola Longe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, applauded the City of David for its efforts to Christian Social Responsibilities by establishing a state-of-the-art hospital to serve the purpose of God in man’s life.

“The establishment of the Healing Stripes Hospitals Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre by the City of David Parish of the RCCG is a commendable social responsibility initiative. It is a demonstration of the role the church and other religious bodies play in ensuring harmony between the soul and body”, Ambode noted.

Speaking further he said, “I am delighted to learn of the free quarterly healthcare service that this hospital has been rendering to low income earners in the Makoko Community since 2012 in addition to the various community health care outreaches as well as the setting up of the first faith based Cancer Screening Centre in 2011.”

Ambode stressed therefore that with the formal dedication of the hospital. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and professional medical personnel, the church parish has shown great commitment to its vision of being a Good Samaritan by providing a first class health care service to the weak and vulnerable across the state.

The Healing Stripes Hospital is a specialised health care facility where quality healthcare services are provided at subsidized rates. The Hospital was established in May 2010 as part of its Christian Social Reform. The hospital has attended to over 13, 000 patients 5, 482 patients have received care free of charge through the church welfare programme. The goal is to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible, affordable and reliable to the community.

The dialysis centre, which added 10 more machines to its operations, was opened in September 2013 to serve the needs of patients with kidney disease. Statistics show that 30 million Nigerians are suffering from kidney disease. However, only 200 machines are available to serve them, far below the requirement of 12,000 machines. The expansion of the dialysis centre makes a contribution of filling the gap.

To date, the dialysis centre has conducted 2,092 subsidized dialysis sessions and 102 free sessions. Partnering with some hospitals in India, the centre has also successfully conducted 5 kidney transplants.

The Healing Stripes Cancer Screening Centre Surulere, an offshoot of The Healing Stripes Hospital was established in June 2011 as the first faith based Cancer Screening Centre for free screening and awareness. The Centre has done free cancer screening and therapy for more than 17, 542 people in Lagos State.

“The dedication of the dialysis centre is made possible from the donation and goodwill of our partners,” said Dr. Ezinne, Chief Medical Director of The Healing Stripes Hospital. “We are delighted to commission the centre today and further impact the society through our
CSRs.”

In another dimension of its Christian Social Reform, the church also reopened its Charity shop named It’s New to Me.  It was initially launched on June 11, 2009 and is located in Oniru Estate Victoria Island. The Charity shop was re-launched by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Pastor in Charge of City of David. It’s New to Me is focused on the sales of new and high quality used clothing, household items, toys and furniture. These items are donated to the shop for sale at rock- bottom prices. Consequently, it makes available high quality items at ridiculously low prices to those who may not ordinarily be able to afford them.

The event also saw Governor Ambode commission the Arise Women’s free clinic. This initiative was established as an NGO under the leadership of Pastor Siju Iluyomade and in conjunction with The Healing Stripes Hospital. The clinic has reached out to over 26, 000 individuals in various communities through free medical care. To conclude the event, donation of medical equipment and consumables were made to The Healing Stripes Cancer Screening Centre and National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi.