Lagos Government Calls for Healthcare Reform Amid Worker Shortfall

The Lagos state government has identified a significant shortfall in health workers, stating that it currently has fewer than 8,000 personnel to serve a population of 1.5 million health insurers, whereas approximately 40,000 are needed. At the Second Eko Health Convention 2026, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the necessity for healthcare reform to expand insurance coverage, enhance digital healthcare, and strengthen health infrastructure.

He articulated that the convention's theme, “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence,” reflects the state's healthcare transformation goals. Sanwo-Olu noted that over 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act.

Initiatives like Ilera Eko EasyPay and the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) aim to improve healthcare delivery through technology. Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat and other officials highlighted the progress made in health infrastructure and governance, asserting that healthcare workers are essential to patient care.