By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to building a world-class, inclusive, and technology-driven healthcare system, saying that Lagos is rewriting the story of healthcare in the 21st century.
The Governor made this known while addressing stakeholders at the maiden Eko Health Convention 2025, held in Lekki, Lagos, with the theme “Lagos Health: Driving Innovation, Strengthening Systems, Leading Change.”
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos State’s transformation in healthcare delivery over the past six years is the result of strategic planning, humility, and ambition aimed at ensuring every resident has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat
Speaking on the future of healthcare financing, the Governor emphasised that the ILERA EKO mandatory health insurance scheme and the Executive Order signed in July 2024 remain central to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos.
He noted that the scheme continues to expand access to affordable healthcare for millions of residents, especially those in underserved communities.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, reiterated the administration’s collective vision of transforming Lagos’ health sector through innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility among government, private sector, and development partners.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, in his presentation titled “Bricks and Bytes: Infrastructure Transformation of Lagos Healthcare,” said the government’s healthcare infrastructure blueprint was developed after a study tour to Malaysia.
According to him, the new and ongoing projects integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, and patient-centered design, reflecting the state’s commitment to global best practices in health infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, in his presentation titled “The U in Universal Access to Healthcare,” stressed that the real measure of progress in Lagos’ health system is ensuring that no resident is left behind, regardless of gender, income, or location.
Dr. Ogboye added that the government’s drive toward universal health access is evident in its expanded health insurance coverage, improved emergency response systems, and the establishment of High Dependency Units (HDUs) across general hospitals to reduce maternal mortality and improve patient outcomes.
The Eko Health Convention 2025 brought together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and private sector players to explore ways to strengthen the Lagos health system, promote digital innovation, and ensure that the state continues to lead health reforms in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply