LASHMA-AID emergency response saves pregnant woman, newborn in Lagos

L-R: Mrs Philomena Yakubu; Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo; Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Tingni Kindness and Director, Clinical Services and Training, Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, at the handing over of Tingni Kindness and baby to Plateau State Government held at the Conference Room, LASUTH

L-R: Mrs Philomena Yakubu; Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo; Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Tingni Kindness and Director, Clinical Services and Training, Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, at the handing over of Tingni Kindness and baby to Plateau State Government held at the Conference Room, LASUTH

A 22-year-old vulnerable pregnant woman, Tingni Kindness, who was rescued in an unconscious state through the Lagos State Government’s Assistance in Distress (LASHMA-AID) emergency intervention programme, has been handed over, alongside her newborn baby, to the Plateau State Government after receiving life-saving medical care.

The handover ceremony took place at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where officials of the Lagos and Plateau State governments commended the emergency response initiative for saving the lives of the mother and child.

Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr Emmanuella Zamba, said the agency received an emergency alert at about 9 p.m. on June 6, 2026, from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), informing it that an unconscious pregnant woman had been picked up at Allen Avenue.

According to her, LASHMA-AID immediately contacted the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to confirm bed availability before the patient was rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel commenced treatment without delay.

Zamba disclosed that while still receiving treatment, Kindness delivered a healthy baby girl on June 21, 2026. She attributed the successful intervention to the Executive Order signed by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which provides for the stabilisation and emergency treatment of residents facing life-threatening medical conditions, irrespective of their status.

The permanent secretary also commended the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, and the hospital’s management for their prompt response, describing the institution as a dependable partner in the implementation of the emergency care initiative.

She said the programme demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing emergency medical services to both ILERA EKO enrollees and vulnerable residents, assuring that the intervention would be sustained to ensure that no resident in need of urgent medical attention is denied access to care.

Zamba urged residents to make use of the LASHMA-AID emergency line, 080-000-LASHMA-AID (080-000-527462-243), whenever they encounter life-threatening situations requiring urgent medical intervention.

She explained that the programme is funded through a percentage of the state’s Equity Fund for vulnerable persons and contributions embedded in the premiums paid by ILERA EKO enrollees.

Appealing to the Plateau State Government, she urged the authorities to provide accommodation and economic empowerment for Kindness, noting that the young mother has no means of livelihood and would require support to adequately care for her child.

Earlier, Fabamwo praised LASHMA for ensuring the effective implementation of the Executive Order on emergency medical services.

He explained that although the patient was not in labour when she arrived at the hospital, she was immediately stabilised by the medical team. He added that as arrangements were being made to transfer her to more suitable accommodation because she had no place to stay, she unexpectedly went into labour and safely delivered her baby.

According to him, following the successful delivery, the Plateau State Government was contacted through its liaison office in Lagos to facilitate the safe return of the mother and child to their home state.

Responding on behalf of the Plateau State Government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Pamglang Dafur, represented by the Principal Administrative Officer of the Plateau Liaison Office in Lagos, Mrs Philomena Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, LASHMA and LASUTH for saving the lives of one of the state’s indigenes.

She assured that both mother and child would receive the necessary care, protection and support upon their return to Plateau State.

An emotional Tingni Kindness expressed gratitude to Sanwo-Olu, Zamba, the management of LASUTH and the hospital’s Social Welfare Department for giving her and her baby another chance at life.

LASHMA disclosed that since LASHMA-AID became fully operational in March 2026, following its launch in December 2025, the programme has saved 34 lives, including eight ILERA EKO enrollees and 26 vulnerable residents across Lagos State.

Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.

Breaking news & top stories

Follow The Sun Newspaper

Get live updates & exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.

Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.