The elevator in one of Lagos’ oldest hospitals remains non-operational three years after the death of a doctor, despite a rehabilitation programme intended to address the facility’s deteriorating infrastructure.
The continued malfunction of the lift in the 10-storey building has created significant logistical hurdles for medical staff, particularly those residing in the House Officers’ Residence. The failure to provide reliable vertical transport in a high-rise medical facility poses a direct threat to the physical wellbeing and safety of healthcare professionals.
According to investigative findings into the hospital’s condition, the rehabilitation of the residence has been under the management of Julius Berger. The project was scheduled to span 36 weeks, with a timeline running from April 2024 to January 2025.
Impact on healthcare workers
House officers, who often work irregular and demanding shifts, are currently forced to navigate the 10-storey structure via staircases. This lack of access to an elevator leads to increased physical exhaustion and presents a significant safety risk for staff moving between floors during emergencies or heavy workloads.
The gravity of the situation is heightened by the memory of a doctor whose death three years ago was linked to the hospital’s failing infrastructure. The continued absence of a functional elevator remains a critical vulnerability in a facility that serves as a cornerstone of medical care in Lagos.
While Julius Berger was engaged to oversee the rehabilitation of the House Officers’ Residence, the specific status of the elevator’s repair remains a point of concern. The transition from the scheduled completion in early 2025 to the current state of non-functionality suggests potential delays or unresolved technical issues within the scope of the works.
The lack of functional elevators in large-scale public health institutions is a recurring challenge across Nigeria. In many instances, aging buildings struggle to meet the modern requirements of medical service delivery, and maintenance contracts often fail to address the most urgent, safety-critical components of the facility.
As of now, the hospital has yet to provide a definitive timeline for when the elevator will be returned to service. The medical community continues to await a resolution that ensures the safety and dignity of the staff working within the facility.
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